After nearly four years living in Rochester, New York for college, Rochester Institute of Technology Student Government President Bobby Moakley sought out an opportunity to learn more about life beyond the bricks. The perfect opportunity presented itself in 2018 when Moakley was accepted into the Rochester Urban FellowsAmeriCorps program. 

Prior to starting the 10-week summer program, Moakley was warned about the dangers of going into the city. However, he says it’s an opportunity he’ll never forget or regret.

“You always hear about bad neighborhoods and all the stuff that goes on in them but it typically comes from people that live outside of those neighborhoods and they don’t take the time to get to know residents or what’s going on in the community,” Moakley added.

Acting as a liaison between Genesee Land Trust & Project HOPE, the Rochester Institute of Technology graduate worked to rehabilitate communities in the Flower City. He says much of his work focused on deterring drug sales and beautifying the neighborhood.

“I’d heard about the impact the opioid crisis had on Rochester all the time, but seeing the thousands of needles and people on the street really reminded me that this wasn’t just something you read about,” he said. “It’s real life.” 

Rochester Urban Fellows VISTAs have a supportive network of local nonprofits, leaders and more than a dozen cohort members to engage with. When members aren’t working with organizations, they come together for weekly lectures and seminars. 

“It truly allowed us to see how these organizations have been working to shape Rochester’s history and culture,” he added. “It’s shown me a whole new Rochester.”

Upon graduating with his master’s degree in science, technology and public policy, Moakley returned to RIT— this time as the senior staff specialist for Campus Life. It’s a position that allows him to advise Campus Life staff members and student government.

Moakley says the summer he spent with Urban Fellows reaffirmed the importance of grassroots organizations and increased his desire to mobilize individuals.

“A lot of my classes, in education and messaging, focused on federal government work but Urban Fellows highlights that a lot of the work in communities comes from the ground-up, not top-down,” Moakley added. “A career doesn't have to be all about being empowered to make a change. It can be focused on working in your area and bringing change.”

The Boston native says he hopes more RIT students consider long-term service opportunities, even if it’s only for the summer.

“No matter what, [post graduate service] is a valuable experience. The most important thing is that the student recognizes the opportunity is what you make it,” he said. “This is a tangible experience. You’re not cooped up in an office all day. You’re building technical and social skills which are absolutely critical in the real world.” 

Moakley says Urban Fellows is about much more than the professional experience.

“I have 20 new friends because of [Urban Fellows] and I still keep in touch with them. There are so many new restaurants and areas of Rochester that I go to now because of this program.”