Past KEYS Members Talk About Their Experience

KEYS members and local youth help reclaim abandoned playground.

Although it has been a very rocky journey here for me at times, I would not trade what I have learned and experienced for anything. Like my students, I have changed as well, and feel much more positive about my own skills and abilities and what I have to offer the world. Despite the lack of money and the long days, when I see how much I have helped to have a difference in so many lives in such a short span of time, I can honestly say this has been the hardest and most rewarding year of my life.

I look forward to the end of my day, because it means spending an hour and a half with them. They are always so eager to tell me about things in their lives and share their homework problems. They are particularly eager to read to me, and everyday, I am bombarded with 9 or 10 students, asking, “Miss Lauren! Can I read to you today?” Everyday, I give them the same response, “If I look over and you are reading, I’ll come over and ask you to read to me.” Well, I am proud to say, in a school that typically teaches below grade level, almost half of this 2nd grade class is reading on a 4th grade level.

Loretta and I have started a lunchtime Storytelling Club. We have two groups, one for boys, the other for girls. The Girls Storytelling Club has really started to surprise us. They have learned to trust each other and find comfort in the time we spend together.

Every week, we meet for a little over a half hour, which is barely enough time to eat. But somehow, little by little, we are able to discuss the topic of bullying: recognizing the signs, discovering why it happens, sharing personal experiences. Eventually, we want them to devise a solution and present it in an interactive story, told orally.

But the most important thing about this club is not the product, but the process. The girls are developing close friendships, verbal communication skills, and self-confidence. These skills will benefit them greatly when they enter the adolescent years.

My students have been amazing. Not only have they dealt with a rigorous schedule but their work ethic has improved 150% and they are a great example of why this program is effective. One of my students, upon entering the program, was loud, disruptive, and unfocused. Now she is consistently early, works hard, focuses with determination and does not waste time. She has become a wonderful, professional adult. I also heard that her interview with AmeriCorps was fantastic and I am unbelievably proud of her. I also have a student who is in his second chance with this project. He has put forth more dedication and heart than he thought was capable of giving. He also just completed and earned his GED on the first try. When I see the tremendous change and growth these students exhibit through this process, I am grateful for the blessing this opportunity has given me to guide them through that process.


Building Friendships - Stacey & Gwen will never forget their year of service together

My entire life has changed since I moved here and started AmeriCorps.

I’ve learned so much from the people at my site who are working in the community every day. They inspire me with their passion and what they’re willing to sacrifice. The people that you meet and the connections that you make have the potential to last an entire lifetime.

By serving for a year, you really are serving, because what you get out of it, the lessons you
learn, and what you’ve gained are certainly bigger than the pay.

AmeriCorps is a great way to try out service and transition it into a career. The experiences you gain through KEYS could not be gained anywhere else.

AmeriCorps members take the oath to "Get things done" for America.

KEYS is the best “job” I’ve ever had.

I’ve had the experience of getting to do things that I never expected I would be able to do.

I love seeing my youth grow and become young adults, seeing what they can accomplish, seeing them reorganize their community and make it a better place.

I learned that I can make a change, and that everyone can make a change no matter how
small you are or what your ideas are.

Everyone has a voice and everyone can make a difference!

We are limited only by our dreams and our willingness to serve.