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Get to know some of the proud AmeriCorps members who’ve dedicated a year of their life to serving in Cleveland schools! Our guest writer Macin Sheeder, who’s interning with City Year Cleveland as part of her undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, catches up with City Year Cleveland AmeriCorps member, Aubrey Baumler, who’s finishing her first year of service at A.B. Hart Elementary.

Learn more about Aubrey and service with City Year

Q: Aubrey, can you tell us a little about yourself?

A: Of course! I’m Aubrey Baumler (she/her/hers), I graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 2021 with a degree in Spanish and Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies, and some of my hobbies are video games, learning Spanish through Duolingo, cats and crochet.

Q: Why did you choose to take a gap year with City Year?

A: I was originally interested in going to law school, but wanted to take an extra year to study for the LSAT. I knew I wanted to do something with children, like child advocacy or family law, so I thought City Year would give me a different perspective on the lives children lead.

Q: How did your experiences at Baldwin Wallace prepare you for your time with City Year?

A: My experiences at Baldwin Wallace helped me to build various leadership skills, like organization and event planning, that I consistently rely on during service with City Year. My classes also provided me with a well-rounded worldview and access to different perspectives which I continue to utilize and think about during service.

Q: What is one of your favorite City Year moments or memories?

A: My favorite City Year moments are either with my team members or my 91����. With my team, one of my favorite memories was winning first place during City Year trivia. With my 91����, any time they express care for City Year, it really warms my heart. One time, a student joined our final circle at the end of the day. When it was his turn to give an announcement, he looked at all of us and then sweetly said “I really appreciate that you are always there to help us when we need it.”

Q: What’s next for you after your City Year experience?

A: I will be returning to City Year Cleveland as a Team Leader for the 2022-2023 school year. After that, I plan to go into nonprofit work. City Year has helped me to realize that I have a passion for serving others.

Q: What does service mean to you?

A: To me, service means leveraging your privilege to help those who are underserved in order to impact positive change in our communities.

If you’re game for a rewarding experience like Aubrey’s serving in our Cleveland schools, apply now to serve in City Year Cleveland’s 2022-23 Corps or connect with a recruiter to learn more.