This Friday, 1/28, I must decide if I will join the Teach for America 2011 Corps in The Bay Area California. This is a huge honor and accomplishment, but also, an even bigger commitment.
I have been so blessed to have such an amazing education which has lead me to where I am now…Unfortunately, in impoverished areas all over the country, this is not the case for many young people. Their education is determined by their parent’s income, involvement and unfortunately, the neighborhood in which they grew up. The vast education gap in America is something I know can be fixed. It’s with an organization as determined and committed as Teach for America, where the education gap finds a solution—and it all begins in the classroom.
I truly cannot express my gratitude for my admittance into the program, but I question if this is my calling for the next two years of my life. I have no doubt, that if I decide to teach, I would teach for every child’s right to a better future and every child’s right to attention to their schoolwork. I am currently assigned in The Bay Area-a region much larger than I anticipated (my lack of research really back-fired here). I would be teaching Spanish to grades 6-12. My biggest concern here, is that I know what a challenge this could be as Spanish is not my own language, but I know what a reward it could be as well in the long run; however, I initially applied for TFA in hopes that I could work with younger children because that’s where my comfort level lies. I do not know yet how teaching older kids 12-18 years old will affect me. I have no doubt I have the strength and determination to handle this challenge—or else I would not be in the position to decide. BL
I’m currently in conversation with many TFA alums and employees across the nation, making sure that I make the best decision possible. If any of you have any resources for me, ideas, or thoughts, please feel free to share as I would greatly appreciate it since I must make this big decision by Friday!
