bringing it back

Lots of posts today, but lots of blog-worthy things to post about.  In one of my posts, I talked about leaving a legacy at the school.   Erica focused on this during team time on Friday and helped motivate us to end the year strong. She talked about how easy it is to kind of coast these last few weeks since we're almost done, but how it's important to keep going strong.  We used to do this thing called the high five, where someone would copy their hand on the copy machine and then write someone else's name on the top of the paper.  They would give it to this person as a "high five" for doing something great that week.  Somewhere along the line it stopped, but this week, Erica gave us each a high five.

My high five from Erica.  "You have been a great resource for lower school.  It has been so great to see you care about so many lower schoolers, not just your students.  Your heart is so big."  Thanks, Erica!

Erica also pulled our City Year application and picture they took at the beginning of the year.  In our application, we had to write an essay about why we want to become a City Year corps member.  This was my response.

City Year's mission statement perfectly states what I believe.  Every single one of us can have an impact on the world, regardless of who we are.  All it takes is simple acts of kindness and service to play a role in how the world turns out. I cannot imagine my life without service.  Last spring, I met a man who had never received a formal education and has struggled through life ever since.  I have seen people give up on themselves because they cannot find a job due to their lack of education.  Everyone in the United States has the opportunity to earn an education.  For some, this is harder than for others, but it is always achievable.  All some people need is that extra push to work through the tough times and strive for the finish line.  The members of City Year have a direct impact on the students they are mentoring.   I can only imagine the satisfaction they feel when they see the results of their work and dedication. Not only does their work play a role in the lives of the students they work with, but it inspires those students to encourage the others around them, creating a snowball effect.  I once heard Shirley Chisholm say "service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."  It is our duty as citizens of the earth to serve those around us and help out others less fortunate.  I was lucky enough to come from a motivating and loving family.  Not everyone is as lucky as I am and if I can use my love for learning to motivate someone else, then my life is that much more worthwhile.

I'll end on the following quote.  This is obviously referring to the fact that there are three less people in our morning and final circles, but she was also talking about how we've grown and changed over the year.  The Sarah that is standing in the circle now is different than the one who was there in October.  Megan and I were crying as she was talking about how proud she was of us and how she's watched us grow into incredible leaders and role models for these students.  Last, Erica was also referring to the fact that it is easy to be physically present in the circle, but not really there.  She emphasized again how important it is to finish out the year strong and give the same amount of effort that we've been giving all year. 

"It's who's standing in the circle at the end of the year that matters, not who started in it." -Erica