Brenna Foley, 2012

Why did you join City Year?

It seemed like a really good opportunity to get involved in meaningful, long-term community service. It’s a unique program and I think the best kinds of service programs are the ones in which you can make a long-term commitment and you can really see the results of your work. I love the service work I do through Bentley, but City Year is a much more in-depth program and I was really interested in trying something new. I also knew that now is probably the only time in my life when I will feasibly be able to take a year off to work in a program like this.

What do you hope to achieve with your service? Any personal goals?

I hope to gain a lot during the upcoming year. I look forward to making connections with the students and with my peers. I believe that every child has the right to a quality education and a positive role model. If I can make a positive difference in the life of just one student, it will be worth it. I also hope to gain a little self-direction, because as of right now I have no idea what career I want to pursue after Bentley.

What are you looking forward to most in your upcoming year of service?

I’m really just looking forward to the overall experience of working with new people, all of whom have dedicated a year of their lives to service. I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I love new experiences and I can’t wait to get started.

A. Service experience in your City Year School.

Our program is based out of Miami Edison Senior High School, so we still get to interact with the students through morning greeting, lunchtime mentoring, and after-school tutoring. The days at school can be long and challenging, but I learn something new every day. I have already made connections with many of the students, and I look forward to seeing them each day. Even though there are many challenging moments, there is no feeling quite as incredible as the moment when a student finally understands what you’ve been teaching him. Those “light bulb moments” are the ones that really bring a smile to my face.

B. Exploration or travel experience in your new home area.

Miami is an absolutely incredible place to be. It’s a melting pot of different cultures, languages and traditions. The people here are vibrant and friendly, and there is always something to do. There are free monthly art walks downtown, many museums are free or discounted, and the nightlife is exciting and entertaining. The landscape is starkly different from that of Maine or Massachusetts, but I love the warmth and being able to go to the beach on the weekends.

I have met several people already who I know will be a part of my life forever. That’s not a statement that I make lightly or often, but there are so many people here who share not only my interests and sense of humor, but my passion for service and education.

My housing experience went very smoothly. My roommates and I looked at housing in May once we were all accepted, and we secured a 3 bedroom place that came fully furnished, from couches and TVs down to all the bedding and silverware we needed. Our apartment is in a very safe neighborhood, and we are just a couple blocks down from the grocery store, mall, and movie theaters.