In 2010, I graduated from college in New Jersey and found my way over the Ben Franklin Bridge. I applied to serve as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, an education-focused organization that brings young adults together to mentor and tutor at-risk youth to succeed in school and in their future. My experience with City Year was significant in shaping my beliefs, work ethics, and relationships with everyone I encounter. It solidified the journey I would take and prepared me to accept all the challenges I’d experience on the way. Working with youth is fun, profound, fulfilling, grounding, humbling, tear-inducing, challenging, crazy, and best experience of my life. The carabiner represents my past, present, and future. It holds me together. It carries me through the most challenging moments. It connects me to youth to make an impact in their lives. It makes me stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally.