Liz Van Son graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2016 with a B.A. in Geography. This year she is serving as Rochester Youth Year Fellow/AmeriCorps VISTA at the Rochester City School District Central Office on the Arts Integration program. Liz is currently on working on how to incorporate the arts more holistically throughout the district through curricula, project-based learning, and arts opportunities. After her service year, Liz will be attending the Warner School of Education for her Masters of Science in Elementary Education.
What attracted you to Rochester Youth Year?
I am pursuing a career in education and want to know as much as I can about Rochester to be the best possible educator.
How would you describe yourself?
Self-motivated, punny, outgoing but also a grandma.
Why do you find meaning in service?
Service is what helps the community come together. Without lending a hand, we are stranded. Service helps provide resources for all.
How does RYY fit into your professional goals?
I’m becoming a teacher in the next two years. RYY and my specific placement is helping me network and understand the full RCSD system before entering it.
What’s one fact that some people don’t know about you?
I was a competitive fencer who traveled internationally until I was 17.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
Lion.
Female Lion in South Luangwa National Park
What is one word that describes your community?
Diverse.
What is one of your happiest memories?
Watching my munchkins graduate kindergarten [as a member of Rochester AmeriCorps at School No. 4] last year.
All right, now as a person who grew up and lives in Rochester, where are some of your favorite places to eat?
- South Wedge Diner
- Thai Mii Up
- La Casa
- The Vesper
- Plum House
- Han Noodle
- Red Fern
- The Winfield
- Nino’s
- Seoul House