Meet the Corps: Karishma Sears on Service, Sēva and Taking the Next Step
For Karishma Sears, service is more than a year-long commitment. It is a way of thinking about how she wants to move through the world.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Karishma also spent many years in Seattle, where she built strong connections and a sense of community. After graduating high school, she bounced between a few colleges and briefly explored a career in theatrical and film costume design. At 19, she found herself back in the Bay Area on her own—and ready for something new.
That something was City Year.
As Karishma begins her service year as a City Year AmeriCorps Member, she is stepping into a new chapter with plenty of excitement, a healthy dose of nerves and a guiding philosophy rooted in her Sikh faith.
What made you choose a year of service with City Year?
I believe in the concept of service known as Sēva, which exists as a pillar in my Sikh religion. Sēva means selfless service for others, done without any expectation or assumption of reward.
I learned this way of thinking from my grandfather. When he passed away, it made me rethink how I wanted to exist in the world. Sēva is my guiding principle and the ideal I strive to achieve.
What are you most excited about as you begin your service year?
I'm excited about helping kids feel successful, both academically and socially. I'm already leading with that, and it's been really rewarding to see those connections beginning to form.
I'm also excited to build strong connections with my teammates and other AmeriCorps Members. That's already started, and I'm looking forward to seeing how those relationships grow throughout the year.
And, perhaps most terrifyingly, I'm excited to become more of a go-getter.
What are you most nervous about?
I'm probably most nervous about how much responsibility this position includes. I think it will be a nice kickstart for real adult life, but at the same time, it's a big jump!
Stepping into Service …
Karishma is just getting started, but that's part of what makes this year exciting. She doesn't know yet exactly where her service experience will take her—and she's embracing that uncertainty. And we, at City Year Bay Area are so grateful she chose to take a chance and serve with us! Welcome to service Karishma! We can’t wait to see what unfolds for you this year.
