Meet one of our fantastic AmeriCorps Members, Aliah Robinson! Aliah is a Social and Emotional Learning Coach, and is on her second term in our AmeriCorps Program! Outside of AmeriCorps, Aliah is a dedicated volunteer, lending her hand at helping youth and educational programs.

Get to know Aliah, and all the good she brings in our schools + communities!

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

After the pandemic and a few toxic job environments, I decided to reevaluate my life. There were some tough and personal things I was going through. I did not want that to stop me from pursuing my goals. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to be a part of the Peace Corps. However, I was skeptical if I was ready to leave the country. AmeriCorps was the next best thing for me because I felt a sense of duty to my direct community. Atlanta is the best place for that.

Moreover, as a black woman raised by an immigrant family, I want to connect with those who relate to my experience. My goal is to seek the guidance of activists that encourage participation in activities that will positively impact marginalized groups. I am trying to do right by the world because there is so much dissension. I know I can't fix everything but AmeriCorps's values inspire me to constantly seek opportunities for the greater good.

What do you like most about working with your students?

Children are just little people learning how to be human. I always hear talk about how someone can be a "kid at heart," so children might enjoy their company more than others. Aren't we all kids at heart? At one point, everyone had the experience of being a child. Too many adults forget what it was like and deem what young students have to say unimportant and automatically wrong.

That said, children deserve to have their voices heard and their ideas represented. I want students to have faith that some adults operate with that mindset. Students deserve an experience that encourages them to voice their opinions without fearing retaliation. I feel pride when my student feels comfortable enough with me to express themselves unabashedly.

“I have gained so much already. When I started AmeriCorps, I felt I sought a sense of purpose in the wrong places. As I continue this journey, I hope to allow even more of my confidence and leadership skills to shine through. Based on earlier experiences in my career, I assumed my ideas were not worthy of being heard or that my differing opinions deserved to be chastised by others. I thought when I had a problem, it would be dismissed. As a member of AmeriCorps, my mindset changed drastically. I now realize my voice is my own to give importance. ”

— Aliah Robinson

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As a millennial, I view this question as complicated. Due to the various economic, political, and cultural shifts I have seen in my 31 years of living, the question is baffling. When I was three, I thought I wanted to be a nurse because my mom worked in medicine. Then, in my first year of high school, I thought being a forensic psychologist was my calling. I even made a PowerPoint presentation to convince my family. As a High School graduate, I thought I would be premed. Those aren’t the only changes I went through through the decade. Where do I see myself in five years? I will still be involved in my community, consistently helping uplift those who otherwise would not have a voice. That includes not speaking for them but standing aside.

When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

I sing with a band for fun. I have been in this band for about two years now. Since I was nine, I have participated in choir, but this is quite a different level of performing as a lead singer. I am glad I took this leap of faith for someone who only sang in karaoke. We have done several performances so far. My confidence and singing ability have reached new levels!

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love that Atlanta is a city entirely of dreamers. The folks here dream of better days, opportunities, and environments to foster such dreams. Most importantly, Atlanta is a city where folks get out and DO. People want to do better and seek to make those dreams a reality.

Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and to start your application for the 2024-25 term.