Welcome to New Haven, next stop the real world.

When I immigrated to New York, the first thing I saw the huge sign entering the borough, “Welcome to the Bronx.” My eyes were filled with tears knowing that I was leaving my family and my home country of Peru.

Growing up in the South Bronx was no easy task. According to the New York census, the South Bronx is considered to be one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York State. So, how do I get to become an AmeriCorps Vista for the Boost! Program? Seeing the huge amount of poverty in the Bronx made me realize that a lot of children won't take advantage of the education in the United States offers. The reason for this problem is there are not enough positive role models or families involved in the schools.

As a recent graduate from Connecticut College, I knew I wanted to continue using my skills in helping children improve their academic life and be successful. As a Boost! Service Corps Member my primary goals for the upcoming school year is to help native Spanish-speaking parents get involved in the school and have a close relationship with the teachers.

I am looking forward to begin this new chapter of my life and be able to offer my services to Clinton Avenue School and the New Haven community. If you have any questions or be useful for any kind of service, please do not hesitate to contact me or let me know in the comments. This is going to be an awesome experience.