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              Perry McAlister
              AmeriCorps member
                                      2016
      Submitted by 
Labulter
 on 
Mon, 10/19/2020 - 12:03In 2015, I was working a part-time retail job that, while paying the bills, was not exactly the most fulfilling work. One night, while up looking for a volunteer opportunity, I came across an organization called Reading Partners that offers one-on-one literacy instruction to elementary students. I signed up, and was assigned to work with a fourth grader attending school in the neighborhood I grew up in. Within weeks, I was sold. The hours I spent with that young girl provided me more fulfillment than any paid work I have done. When I found out Reading Partners was seeking new Americorps members for the following school year, I applied right then. Over one year later, I have since met many more students who have all changed my life in some way. I have learned more about myself through them. I have seen more of my own neighborhood through them, for the school is in the very neighborhood I grew up in and where I continue to live. I have found my life's purpose - helping children - through them. My joy is my service to the children of Moravia Park Elementary School. I am one of one million.
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