Here it Goes

Hi, my name is Melissa Lovitz and I proudly serve on the Ferebee Hope team. ("oh you an eagle huh?") That's how I would introduce myself if I were in CYDC's MLK space or at any other City Year event. I'm also 18 years old and attending UCONN in the fall. That's how I would introduce myself to the rest of the world.

So... what's City Year you may ask.

"City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world.

As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States, as well as through international affiliates in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England. Just as important, during their year of service corps members develop civic leadership skills they can use throughout a lifetime of community service."

Which in other words means we go to school every day to help our beautiful children succeed. Which isn't an easy task. Let me put it this way, wake up as early as 6:00 AM and travel across the District of Columbia to Ferebee Hope and meet our students at 8:30 to greet them with smiling faces and a "side hug". Some of my students wear the same clothes with holes in them every day, while others parents can't spell their own child's name. But every day their resilience amazes me. They come back smiling and as ready as they can be to learn. It's so important we keep coming back. Did you know, that we can predict whether or not a child will graduate college as early as 6th grade. That's why it's so important for my first graders to get every opportunity they can. To get love and encouragement, mentors and hope. Isn't that what we all need and want?