Why I was drawn to work with RiseUp Partnership and AmeriCorps

What drew me to RiseUp Partnership was the chance to work with young people and be someone they can actually come to and feel comfortable around. I like being able to help youth with things they are going through, whether that is finding a job, finding resources, or just having a safe place to hang out and talk, as I wished I had these opportunities growing up. 

What I hope to learn is how to better understand what young people need, even when they don't always know how to say it. I want to learn how to listen, build trust, and turn what youth are telling me into real opportunities and changes in the community. I also hope to build real-life skills like communication, problem-solving, working with different people, and handling situations I may not have experienced before, so I can carry them with me into my future career and everyday life. 

Alyvia Xiong
Promise Fellow