Green City Force came into my life while I was balancing college and searching for a way
toward the future I envisioned. I hoped GCF could be a bridge, reconnecting me with my
childhood, love for nature, and a career path I had left behind. It became that. GCF
challenged me, inspiring me to continue studying Environmental Science, speak up even
when nerves tried to silence me, embrace growth, and support my community through
difficulty. Plants and people both need patience, care, and resilience before they bear fruit.
GCF taught me to keep showing up, trust the process, move one day at a time, and remember
that resilience does not mean growing alone. I grew alongside the work and learned to be a
voice and light for my generation and those after me. I am grateful to Chastidy, Jay, Sam,
Kawon, Hakim, Devon, Aaliyah, Devante, Scotty, Cheyenne, Danilo, Giselle, Jacqui, Kitson,
Shantonyce, my fellow Corps Members, and everyone whose guidance, encouragement,
“good morning” or “how are you?” made this journey brighter. Thank you, GCF, for helping me
grow, serve, and begin building a legacy. I will continue to be successful, and I will make it,
because this is only the beginning.
