My service experience - Marilyn Concepcion de AmeriCorps - TA: Marilyn Concepcion of AmeriCorps

Hispanic Times Magazine, Dec, 1996 by Marilyn Concepcion

Looking back at my childhood in Mayaguez, I remember how humble life was in Puerto Rico. I remember waking up every morning and listening to my grandmother calling the chickens to feed. I remember picking the coffee beans from the trees and at the same time learning how to prepare the coffee.

When I was 10, my mother decided to pack up and come to the United States. I have been living in Providence, RI, ever since. I did very well at school until I got to Central High -- it is not really a school you look forward to going to. It was not a very supportive place, and I often felt afraid when I went to school. I never ended up finishing high school. I worked in factories, delis and cinemas, or anything I could get my hands on. I worked hard but I realized quickly that my opportunities were limited.

While I was out of school, I attended a presentation for City Year, a program that served as a model for many other AmeriCorps programs. Working in teams, the AmeriCorps members spread out across the city and serve as mentors in public schools. I was impressed with what I saw -- young people taking an active role in their community. I knew it would be unlike anything I had ever done. So I applied and was accepted into City Year Providence.

My team worked at the Fox Point Elementary School. Because of my background, I was placed as an English as a Second Language (ESL) aide. I worked with small groups of first-and second-graders in basic literacy and math.

I remember one 7-year old boy, Miguel, who had problems pronouncing his ABC's, particularly the letter F. After I met him, I went home and made a frog puppet with a big letter F on the chest. I spent the entire next day working with Miguel and the puppet practicing the sounds of the letter F. It was not easy, but I did not give up At the end of the day, the teacher asked Miguel to talk about how he and I had spent the day. "I learned about the letter F," he said as he smiled. "F is the first letter in the word frog." I was ecstatic: I was a high school dropout who taught that child something he will never forget. I was proud of myself and of Miguel.

At the same time I was teaching, I was also a student at City Year, studying for my GED. Miguel's determination energized me -- teaching had turned me on to learning. My determination paid off; I was able to earn my GED in a month. I became the first person in my family to earn a high school equivalency or diploma. I was on my way to a good education.

After a successful year as a corps member, I was asked to join the staff of City Year. Unlike my work in the factory or the deli, my City Year experience provided me with opportunities that helped me grow. For the first time, I realized I had options in life. I had a GED, an education award, and confidence I could make it through four years of college. I wanted to shoot for the best -- after my City Year experience, I knew I could hack anything. I applied and was accepted into Brown University.

One year ago, I entered the freshman class of Brown University, concentrating in biology and taking pre-med courses. The image of Miguel resonates in my mind during the tough times. I have ambitions of becoming a doctor, so that I can continue to help people in my community, but in a more specialized way.

Because of my City Year experience, I have become a role model for my family. My oldest sister, Maria, who is 26, earned her GED and is now applying to colleges. My youngest sister, Yadira, who is 20, also received her GED and is now an AmeriCorps member serving in City Year. I try to be a role model for my 11-year old sister, Desiree. I want to make sure she graduates from high school and understands the value of a good education.

Through service, I have been able to help my community, my family, and myself. My experience as a City Year member and as part of the force that launched AmeriCorps gave me the opportunity to make my dream of attending Brown a reality. I know that by working hard and continuing to serve, I will be able to make my dream of becoming a doctor a reality.

If you're interested in AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, call 1-800942-2677, or visit AmeriCorps web page at www.cns.gov. AmeriCorps is recruiting now.