91����

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, I witnessed a lot in my community: teen pregnancy, homelessness, drug addiction. It scared me to think that this might be my future as well. Thankfully I had role models that showed me another path. 

These role models became my personal cheerleaders and remain two of the strongest women I know. They are my two older sisters. Throughout my high school years, they served with City Year and helped me realize that I could take a different path, one grounded in service to a cause greater than self.  

In college, I decided to work in education and asked my sisters about City Year. They took me on service days, told me about their journey working with 91����, the long hours, the rollercoaster of emotions, but most importantly, the gratification that comes with knowing how significant our impact can be on 91���� and communities. 

This year I am excited to proudly continue the tradition my sisters started . . . to be the compassionate, dependable and nurturing mentor my 91���� need to realize their own path in life.

Jessica Lazaro is a proud City Year AmeriCorps member serving at Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy in her neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles.