Name: Jesse Davis

Hometown: Meriden, Connecticut

School Serving: Central High School, Providence

What made you decide to join City Year?

I decided to join City Year because I wanted to help students who look like me and help them realize the importance of learning.

Why are you committed to serving with City Year?

I am committed to serving with City Year because of the students that look up to me. I have been where they are and want to show them where they can go. I not only serve for the students, but for my own personal growth.

How do you know you are making a difference?

I know I'm making a difference when students come to me not only for academic help but also for advice on their future. I'm always asking students what they plan to do after they graduate. I want students to think about their future and know that they have the potential to do whatever they want. If they are asking me about their future I know something I said has impacted them.

What does it mean to you to have Bain Capital sponsor your team?

It is nice to know that I can shake hands with Andy Viens, our Bain Capital liaison, and he recognizes my face. I can actually talk to our sponsor and tell him the best way to support the team. The most memorable experience I have is going to a Celtics game at the TD Garden in Boston. We had box seats! I felt like royalty. For most of the team, including myself this was the first time we had been to a NBA basketball game. It was nice to know our service was valued by Bain Capital, and it definitely boosted our morale.

Please share a Starfish Story.

I want to thank Ms. Rogers' period’s two, three, and four classes. Every day I was privileged to be involved in the most important aspect of a child's life—learning. I was able to engage in thought- provoking discussions and provide insight. I was able to help Ayrin find her strong voice, and use proper language to the best of her ability to articulate herself. I was able to tell Malik he was more than the average student. I saw his confidence grow more and more every day. I was able to show Angel the importance of making good decisions. Amare finally realized the point of completing classwork. Dan has an idea of what he wants to study in college, and he's currently a sophomore. Dan was not sure if he even wanted to go to college. I've actually worried about students as if they were my younger brother or sister. I care enough to know how their weekend went. I care enough to know whether or not they’ve gotten enough sleep, or if their hungry. I serve so I can make my students be the best version of themselves. I have no choice but to be my best every day to role model for my students. Through my time of national service, I have experienced personal growth myself. Not only do the students learn from me but I learn from them.