Sarah Lyle
City Year
Columbus, OH USA
"Be present. Don't let the fear of the future block out the light that you could be shining today."
Career Roadmap
Sarah's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Stay in the present. There is a future out there, but don't let the fear of not getting there block you. Focus on small things you can do every day to get you to your goal.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology, General
Ohio Northern University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Always knew that she wanted to help people, and that she liked kids, so she entered college as an education major.
2.
Realized she didn't want to teach the same curriculum year after year; switched her major to biology-thought she'd help people through the sciences instead.
3.
Eventually fell into psychology, where she had a supervisor who had participated in City Year.
4.
City Year is a national nonprofit that helps at-risk students improve their attendance records, class performance, and behavior.
5.
She applied and was accepted to the program; went directly into City Year after she graduated, has been there for two years.
6.
Works with a lot of students who grow up in stressful environments, are angry with their home lives and don't know how to express it.
7.
Says kids' initial reaction to her is often one of suspicion; they're reluctant to admit they need help, want to do everything on their own.
8.
Now she goes into schools with the understanding that she's fighting uphill battles, but knowing that ultimately, her work will pay off.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
This is really hard, I don't think I can manage this stress.
How I responded:
Whether I am stressed out by school, work, family, etc. the important part is recognizing that I am frustrated. Remembering that I was the bright light to even only one student a day got me through it. Smile every day, even if it that's all you can do. This is hard, be strong.