Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Turner on Service, Growth and Finding her Calling

At City Year, service is often the beginning of a much longer journey. For Rachel Turner, her AmeriCorps experience sparked a passion for supporting students that has shaped every step of her career since.

Rachel served as a corps member at City Year San Jose (now City Year Bay Area) during the 2019–2020 school year before returning as a Team Leader the following year. She went on to serve as an Impact Manager with City Year Rhode Island before transitioning into development, where she now works as the Development Operations and Events Manager. This fall, she'll begin graduate school to pursue her goal of becoming a certified school psychologist.

We caught up with Rachel to reflect on the experiences that continue to influence her work and why she believes a year of service prepares young people for whatever comes next.

What are some of your first memories of your City Year experience?

One of my first memories is walking into a huge Power Greeting from all the staff. I remember thinking, "Whoa...what did I just join?" The energy was incredible.

Once I started serving at San Antonio Elementary, I quickly realized how much that enthusiasm mattered. Every morning we greeted students with songs, chants, and encouragement. It may have felt a little "squishy" at first, but seeing the smiles it brought to students made it such a fun and meaningful way to start each day.

I also remember my team reveal and meeting my teammates for the very first time. Those relationships became one of the best parts of my City Year experience.

During your time with City Year, what training or experiences helped prepare you for your career?

I especially enjoyed the training we received around social-emotional learning and classroom support. Learning about the Clover Model gave me a deeper understanding of how students develop socially and emotionally and how we can better support them.

Those conversations were the first spark that led me toward school psychology. Looking back, I can see how much those experiences shaped the career path I'm beginning this fall.

What was your favorite part of serving with City Year?

Without question, it was the people.

I was lucky to work alongside incredible students, teachers, school administrators, and fellow corps members, many of whom I still stay connected with today.

I also loved having the opportunity to live in the Bay Area and explore everything the region has to offer—from the mountains to the beaches. It made the experience even more memorable.

Do you think service gives young people an edge in whatever comes next?

Absolutely.

There are so many transferable skills you gain through service. You learn how to communicate, solve problems, adapt, and work with people from different backgrounds. Just as importantly, you learn a lot about yourself.

Service isn't always easy, and that's part of what makes it so valuable. The challenges help prepare you for whatever comes next, and the relationships you build can open doors long after your service year ends.

Looking Ahead

As Rachel prepares to begin graduate school and pursue a career as a school psychologist, her journey is a powerful reminder that a year of service can shape a lifetime of impact.

Whether supporting students in the classroom, leading teams, strengthening nonprofit operations, or preparing for her next chapter, Rachel continues to build on the lessons she first learned as a City Year AmeriCorps member.

We're proud to celebrate Rachel's accomplishments and can't wait to see the difference she'll continue to make in the lives of students.