As a Teach for America corps member in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I and the ten other AmeriCorps volunteers at my elementary school created transformational change for our students, parents, and community members.

We were able to bring NBC and its three million dollar budget to our school for an extreme school makeover. This opportunity allowed for a newly renovated school -- one that was thankfully now void of asbestos and mold -- where are students had a more equal shot of learning while having fun.

By expanding educational opportunities and bringing our community together, we were able to grow, in only one year's time, the community participation at our parent-teacher open house from 7 families in 2009 to over 270 families in 2010.

AmeriCorps for me was a chance to a make a real difference in the lives of others! I, and those I had the opportunity to serve, will forever be changed for the better.