One out of five students in Little Rock and North Little Rock will drop out, which result in consequences that can lead to higher risks of incarceration and unemployment. Sobering statistics. In this episode of The Arkansas 100 Podcast, host Natalie Ghidotti talks to City Year Little Rock Executive Director Sarah Roberson about the nonprofit’s mission to serve students in high-need communities across the country and here in Arkansas.
Tune in to learn more about how City Year serves six schools in Little Rock. All episodes of The Arkansas 100 Podcast are available on iTunes, Stitcher and our website.
– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications
You mentioned at one point you wanted to be a Broadway Star? What would be your dream role and why?
Eponine, I fell in love with Les Mis when I was 14 and that nostalgic teen drama of singing “Little Fall of Rain” alone in my room has never left.
What could we find you doing on a typical Saturday?
One or all of the following: searching for the best brunch in town, treasure hunting at estate sales, enjoying the dog park with my dogs Thea and George, going to a movie, more treasure hunting at TJMaxx (I love a bargain), laughing and playing games with friends.
What would be something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I live with anxiety and depression. This does not define me, but it is a part of who I am and my daily life. I have a full, rich life and normalizing mental health is important to me.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Teleportation! I would love to be able to visit my family and friends who live far away in the blink of an eye!
What would you like to see happen in the next 10 years for City Year?
That City Year AmeriCorps Members are no longer the best secret in town. That these student success coaches are part of the fabric of schools and that our students, as well as the community, deeply understand that importance of near peer mentors and coaches. I would love to see the community fully invested in our program so that our financial health would continue to thrive, because private donors, corporations, and foundations knew that every dollar invested in City Year is matched 2:1. I want to continue our strong partnership with the Little Rock School District. Most importantly I want to see students achieve success in safe communities, regardless of which zip code they live in.
Tell us about three things that are on your bucket list.
I don’t have a bucket list. I see life as an adventure and my hope is that I can be brave and bold every day. I have goals and things that I would like to do, but more importantly I want to see each day as a gift and not a list I need to cross off. I want to love people, be an active part of my community, and laugh as much as possible.