be_ixf;ym_202311 d_30; ct_50

Raisa Richardson, City Year London, 2012-13

Volunteer mentor in uniform

I joined City Year UK because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after university but knew that I would enjoy working in a school environment.

I’m so glad I did. My highlights included making amazing friendships and forming strong bonds with pupils who were really struggling. But also, my City Year changed me.  It taught me that I’m stronger and more resilient than I’d previously thought, as well as more caring.

Looking back, the year was also a bridge between university and work, paving the way for new opportunities.  I developed leadership and public speaking skills and I met people from industries I had never considered before. I secured my first job with Deutsche Bank as a result and a year later went on to pursue my dream of working at Manchester United in Sponsorship and Marketing.

Related stories

At City Year UK, for three days across the academic year, we hold what’s called a wellbeing day. The day...

Read more about City Year UK Wellbeing Days!

To celebrate the start of Black History Month 2023, and City Year UK’s championing of diversity, our City Year Mentors...

Read more about Celebrating Black History Month 2023!

Back in October, Team Diamonds (serving at Kings Heath Boys in the West Midlands), climbed Kinder Scout to raise money...

Read more about Team Diamonds' Charity Climb at Kinder Scout

Back to Impact report 2019 – 2021 In June 2021, City Year UK was delighted to be named as one...

Read more about Paid work that pays back through a UK Year of Service
National Strategic Partners
  • Bank of America logo
  • The Vertex Foundation Logo
  • DHL UK Foundation Logo
  • National Grid Logo
National Partners
  • CVC Logo