Mae B.

Service Year Experience

Self-Reported Service

About

Why Mae Wants To Serve

I had the privilege of serving a year with AmeriCorps almost three years ago. I am excited about the opportunity to serve another year with CIS, an organization I know well from my experience with City Year. I am confident in understanding what committing to another year of service would entail. I know the feeling of reward in helping a community and students. On the other hand, I can anticipate some of the hardships and stress that will be faced. I also have learned some skills in how to deal with them, such as reaching out to other corps members frequently.
During my year serving at Belaire High School through City Year, I was fortunate to be chosen as one of two corps members to lead a Girl Talk group. The two counselors at Belaire were with Communities in Schools. They were two women who were sources of stability and change in a community often defined by dysfunctional cycles. When we started Girl Talk, the counselors helped guide me in leading the girls through activities to promote problem solving, self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
When I discovered the CIS volunteer program based in Austin, where I plan on moving in the coming months, I was elated to think of working with a program that I have thought of often since my service in City Year. It would be an honor to be a part of CIS as I have so much respect for it based on my experiences with the two counselors at Belaire. The program would also inform my desire to earn a Master’s degree in school counseling.

Languages Spoken

English