Over the past 15 years, Bain Capital has sponsored teams of AmeriCorps members, helping develop and support more than 200 young idealist giving a year of service. For the 2016-2017 school year, the firm has extended that commitment to sponsor teams of corps members serving in Boston, London, New York, Providence and San Jose/Silicon Valley. The corps members are inspiring and a great way to get to the heart of what makes City Year great.

Name: Daniel Davis

School Serving: Lauriston Primary School

Hometown: Brixton, London

What made you decide to join City Year UK?

Joining City Year was a relatively easy decision to make; it’s my passion working with young people. Upon my bachelor’s graduation in summer 2016, I found myself working for a marketing company that was providing a good salary however I felt unfulfilled. Thankfully, as I was skipping through my job offer emails the name City Year UK caught my attention and after reading the website I was sold. I was presented with a fantastic opportunity to start my career working with young people and it was a chance I could not turn down. Honestly I did not think I was going to be selected as a candidate to be a corps member but I was overjoyed when I received a phone call from City Year UK and have not looked back since. The ethos of the company is something I truly believe in, and I am more than willing to be a part of this social change.

Why are you committed to serving with City Year?

Ultimately I am committed to City Year because I have first-hand knowledge of what a difference such an organization can make. Certainly, growing up I was at a disadvantage due to certain aspects of my background. This did affect my studies, however due to efforts of certain individuals during my youth I was able to develop a sense of discipline and perseverance. To this day these qualities and experiences play a massive role in my success as an individual. Therefore I hope to provide inspiration to the next generation no matter their circumstances, to prove to everyone you can be successful regardless of the hand life deals you.

How do you know you are making a difference?

I know I am making a difference due to the children; it brings me great pride and joy to see their excitement for City Year individuals especially as our partnership with Lauriston is new for the school. The relationship my team has already established with the school is becoming more solid with each week, and already I can see certain students curbing their behaviors in an effort to prove to us that they are more than capable of being smart, successful individuals. Ultimately hearing that the students are disappointed when you are not in school that day makes you appreciate the difference and influence you are having on their lives.

What does it mean to you to have Bain Capital sponsor your team?

Having Bain Capital becoming our team supporter is going to be a massive boost for us in terms of what we are able to do for students. Certainly there are ideas swirling around my team that would not be possible without support. With such a powerful corporation willing to support us it provides some many opportunities for the students and volunteers alike, and with the effort of everyone involved we are truly shaping a future than leaves no one behind.

Please share a Starfish Story.

My starfish story comes from my very first day in Lauriston Primary School. I was with a year 4 class which has a few challenging pupils. At one point the class was being wholly disruptive, which lead me to perform the traditional City Year technique of raising my hand to gain everyone’s attention without having to raise my voice. Eventually the whole class tuned in, and once I had their attention I was able to explain the lack of awareness they were having for their teacher. This was my first instance of imparting a lesson of empathy to the students and they responded extremely well to it. Certain individuals took it upon themselves to sincerely apologize to their teacher without being asked. This is my first experience of changing a group of young people’s mind-set for the better and I hope to carry this on in the future.