Alumni Spotlight Thanaa Muhammad
Meet Thanaa Muhammad, a City Year ’23–’24 alum who turned her year of service into a lasting career path. From recess games to one-on-one student support, her year of service not only shaped her future but also deepened her commitment to helping young people thrive.
Year Served and Role: City Year ’23–’24
Current Company and Job Title: Amergis Healthcare Staffing — Paraprofessional
Q: What made you want to sign up for City Year?
A: I saw City Year as a great gap-year program while I figured out my next steps. I knew I wanted to work with students but wasn’t sure how—or with what age group. City Year gave me the chance to explore that while giving back.
Q: What are some of your first memories of your service year?
A: Karaoke night is one of my favorites! A staff member and teammate hosted it, and it turned into such a fun evening. We laughed, sang (some better than others!), and really bonded as a team.
Q: What training or experiences prepared you most for your career?
A: Being in schools every day. It showed me how schools really work, built patience I didn’t know I had, and gave me the skills I now use as a para—especially working 1:1 with students.
Q: What did you learn that was new or surprising?
A: How much small moments matter. Asking about a student’s hobbies or making them laugh can completely change how they feel and how they show up in class.
Q: What was your favorite part of serving with City Year?
A: Playing at recess with students! It was such a simple way to connect. My favorite memory is our whole team one-by-one joining a game of 4-Square—trying not to look too competitive so our first- and second-graders wouldn’t end up in tears.
Q: What inspired you to keep working in schools?
A: Supporting students with behavioral challenges. Helping them through tough moments showed me how important this work is and made me want to keep doing it.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a year of service?
A: It’s service to your students, but also to yourself. You’ll learn so much about who you are, what you can handle, and what you want for your future.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: As a psych student, I realized how much of what I learned at City Year connects to social-emotional learning. It gave me a strong sense of purpose and confirmed that I want to keep working with students.