Sarah Lyle

About Sarah

• Always knew that she wanted to help people, and that she liked kids, so she entered college as an education major.
• 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.
• Eventually fell into psychology, where she had a supervisor who had participated in City Year.
• City Year is a national nonprofit that helps at-risk students improve their attendance records, class performance, and behavior.
• She applied and was accepted to the program; went directly into City Year after she graduated, has been there for two years.
• 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.
• 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.
• Now she goes into schools with the understanding that she's fighting uphill battles, but knowing that ultimately, her work will pay off.