Something I Wish I Knew Before Joining City Year

By Brendan Ori, corps member serving at Kimball Elementary School

Going into my year of full-time service, I thought I knew exactly what City Year entailed. I understood the service and what would be expected of me, and I was completely psyched for it. However, to quote Will Ferrell in Anchorman, I never understood that City Year was “kind of a big deal.” There is a whole host of both personal and professional opportunities that can be received simply by being a part of this organization (I love the street shout-outs from random people saying “City Year is Awesome!”). These opportunities are exciting, and for many of us, once-in-a-lifetime. I wish I knew of them earlier, because it would have made my decision to serve a lot easier. For example, here are just some of the high-profile opportunities that we have had so far…

• My team leader and I met with and talked to former Chancellor of DC Public Schools and rising political figure Michelle Rhee.

• Several of my fellow corps members have met with other public figures like Reverend Al Sharpton and Department of Transportation General Counsel Robert Rivkin.
•  Mayor Vincent Gray attending our Opening Day Ceremony (He asked if I played college basketball, but was surprisingly excited when I told him I played volleyball instead)

• Several corps members have travelled to places like Dallas and Boston for national conferences on social responsibility and literacy.

I look forward to many more exciting opportunities as my year continues.