I first learned about Impact as a school option for my daughter, Liyat. It was a new public charter school in my area and initially, I was skeptical. I didn’t know anything about charter schools or how they worked, but another community member gave me details about the school. While she was explaining the curriculum at Impact and its core values, I was intrigued. I brought the idea to my family and we discussed it further. Sooner rather than later, we knew we made the right choice. I was very impressed as I saw my daughter doing well as an Impact scholar. And we liked that they had uniforms! I could sense that this was the beginning of something great.
After I applied for Liyat, there was a family event. I decided to attend and met most of the staff and a handful of teachers. I thought that I should volunteer to show other families this beneficial school and to consider applying. This is how it all started!
My first volunteer location was the Valley View Library. After one of the library Amharic story times, I passed around information about Impact while trying to sound convincing. Since I could speak Amharic, I could tell more families about Impact. Most of the families were appreciative of the information I gave them, and when they applied, most saw a drastic change in their students and their academic and social-emotional capabilities.
I took a few more volunteering jobs and soon became an official Community Outreach Ambassador (COA) for Impact. I could never have done it alone. I had a mentor named Mimi who taught me how to be a good COA. She was a great person to look up to, a good role model. I made very good friends with co-workers, some of whom you may know, like Grizel and Aurora. While I was working as a COA, I also had the opportunity to work as an after school program leader. I was supported by a supportive and kind former boss. Ms. Coleman – I would like to thank you.
I then shifted to serving as a Teacher Fellow. In this position, I had the opportunity to interact with students one-on-one. I would like to thank the staff members that treated me so well and always showed kindness to me. I have to thank Ms. Wickens for providing me this opportunity and supporting me to get to where I am now. I am thankful for my community, my family, and all that Impact has had to offer. For everyone at Impact, from my deepest heart, thank you.