Hey everyone. My name is David “Old Cedar” Alexander, and I’m from Washington, DC. I graduated from Forestville Military Academy in Forestville, Maryland in 2005. After high school I went to Prince George’s Community College for two semesters, but soon realized that I wasn’t satisfied with where I was in my life. So, I joined the Silver hill Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A few months later I graduated from the Maryland Fire Academy, but shortly thereafter decided that being a professional firefighter was not for me. I wanted to be able to make a difference in another part of the country, and after some research I found City Year Louisiana. An interesting tidbit about me is that I love knives and service.
Last year I served in City Year Louisiana as a corps member. My experience with CYL really helped me learn how to be independent and on my own. I worked with kindergarteners at Progress Elementary in Baton Rouge, and it was quite an experience. I never realized how much children at that age really look up to you as a role model and want to be like you. I can honestly say that living in Louisiana made me a more mature adult.
My first Care Force event last year was in November 2007 with Met Life. It was such an eye opening experience, and helped me see the bigger picture in regard to service and how important it is to a community. I joined Care Force because I have always loved to do service that allows people to instantly see a lot of change. Not only that, but I also get to travel. The first trip we did was in Salem, OR and was by far my favorite trip so far this year. It gave the team a chance to feel each other out and figure out everyone’s work styles. Plus, going to the west coast for the first time was an adventure. I think that Care Force will make me a better leader this year because I’m leading so many different volunteers from various organizations in service. My plan after City Year is to become a US Capitol Police officer and patrol the National Mall back home in Washington, DC.
