As I prepare for my second week of teaching, I find myself directly at the midpoint of this roller-coaster of a journey. One week of induction in Miami, one week of getting acclimated to Tulsa, and my first week of teaching down- I have done a LOT of reflecting. This time, however, not by choice.
Everything I really want to say boils down to this- my past experiences have really made this 'training' episode doable. Much more than doable, I must say, If I were to compare the experience I'm having to those around me who are having one hellish time here.
Without coming from the neighborhood I came from, I would not have the internal drive to align myself to this mission. Regardless of all the training and sessions they do to help prepare corps members for this kind of a culture shock, they won't know how to deal with it until they have experienced it first hand. I must say, I am definitely going to pray for some people. That's really all I can do. Lord, help them.
Without my absolutely loving family to serve as my solid backbone, I just don't know what would happen. To be honest, I can't picture a reality without them being completely loving and supportive, even if they don't fully comprehend the work that I'm doing. I can be in the next room or several states away, but the strength of the bond my family has is magical and I know it's what fuels me everyday. I am blessed and completely grateful for them.
And last but most certainly not least, without this past year working for Breakthrough, I would not have been prepared for this culture of fast-paced deadlines, BT/TFA language, and the all encompassing organism that is TFA. I'm am SO grateful of the long hours I spent day in and day out, weekend after weekend, trying to make every single action intentional and 'worth it'. Somewhere along the way, it didn't take long, I absolutely grew to love my students and their families. But I can't thank enough the people I worked alongside with, for they became my family and I needed their support as much as they needed mine.
If I hadn't of had that experience of pouring as much heart and soul out of my sleep depraved body for my BT students, then I'd probably be having a hellish time here too. But since I had almost a year of creating meaningful relationships, this is almost like a mini-let's-pretend-you're-an-undergrad-again vacay.
Let me be clear, I am not sitting completely pretty. I, too, feel the pressures of the deadlines. Being observed does cause me to be a tad bit more alert, especially when my students were acting like angels 10 seconds before my observer walked in the door, and lesson planning is still very new to me, but I have kept a clear and level head and have been able to stay on top of things, if not just a tad bit ahead. (Otherwise how would I have time to write this?)
So far, I know that I am on the right path; I feel as if i'm doing what was planned for me to do in life. While I'm still 99.9% confident that I will not be in education once the dust settles, sorry Cooper, I do know that what I'm doing now will not only leave a long lasting affect on my students but on me as well.
Until next time,
RTIII
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Induction into the 305
After spending 10 days in Miami, Florida, I know two things to be true.
1. Sometimes "Winging it" is the only way to accomplish things.
2. Southern hospitality is really only in the south.
Two Tuesdays ago, I left Texas on a plane headed to Florida. I did not have anyone waiting for me at 1am when I arrived at the FLL airport nor did I have any lodging arrangements. I didn't even fly into the city I needed to be in. My only goal was to simply arrive in Florida. Even though this sounds like an a-type personality's worst nightmare, I was really calm about the entire situation. I was not concerned or worried at all, although that was not the case for my close friends and dear mother. She was quite the opposite of calm. However, much to her dismay, I continued on my unknown and unplanned journey; I figured it would all unfold and work out, somehow.
I arrived at the airport and requested a shuttle to take me to Miami, for this was the cheapest transportation option available at 1:30am. A taxi would have cost me $80 and a fancy sedan would have cost me close to $120. After thirty minutes of waiting, and making friends with the dispatcher, a sedan pulls up and he tells me to get in. Before I could protest that I would absolutely not pay the extra money, he said that he would give it to me for the price of the shuttle. I was in the sedan before he could change his mind. Win.
Not only did I get a ride to Miami in style, my sedan driver acted as a mini tour guide giving me the native ins and outs of the city. It was great! After exploring the beautiful Miami at night, I arrived at the hotel. Now, this was the hotel I was supposed to stay at, only the hotel didn't know that. It was my job to convince them of this small but necessary truth. Upon entering, I prepared myself for the serious yet stern conversation that I anticipated having with the concierge. It must have been my night. That or 2 am is the prime time of the day that my appearance is at it's best, either way the conversation was far from stern. I made friends with the front desk easily and they gave me the keys to the hotel room, no problem. "They'll settle it in the morning!" he said. My room was awesome. I had it all to myself and the balcony overlooked the scenic pool surrounded by palm trees. Double Win.
The rest of the week seemed to follow in this fashion. I passed both teaching certification exams, was the first out of 181 teachers to register, moved into the dorms first, moved out of the dorms first, and secured housing for the year when I return after institute- All without really planning on it. I met some really fun people with big personalities that will be my colleagues and tfa family for the next two years.
I'm now at the airport heading to institute, which I hear is like teacher boot camp. I'm interested to see how the next 5 weeks will play out.
Until next time,
RTIII
1. Sometimes "Winging it" is the only way to accomplish things.
2. Southern hospitality is really only in the south.
Two Tuesdays ago, I left Texas on a plane headed to Florida. I did not have anyone waiting for me at 1am when I arrived at the FLL airport nor did I have any lodging arrangements. I didn't even fly into the city I needed to be in. My only goal was to simply arrive in Florida. Even though this sounds like an a-type personality's worst nightmare, I was really calm about the entire situation. I was not concerned or worried at all, although that was not the case for my close friends and dear mother. She was quite the opposite of calm. However, much to her dismay, I continued on my unknown and unplanned journey; I figured it would all unfold and work out, somehow.
I arrived at the airport and requested a shuttle to take me to Miami, for this was the cheapest transportation option available at 1:30am. A taxi would have cost me $80 and a fancy sedan would have cost me close to $120. After thirty minutes of waiting, and making friends with the dispatcher, a sedan pulls up and he tells me to get in. Before I could protest that I would absolutely not pay the extra money, he said that he would give it to me for the price of the shuttle. I was in the sedan before he could change his mind. Win.
Not only did I get a ride to Miami in style, my sedan driver acted as a mini tour guide giving me the native ins and outs of the city. It was great! After exploring the beautiful Miami at night, I arrived at the hotel. Now, this was the hotel I was supposed to stay at, only the hotel didn't know that. It was my job to convince them of this small but necessary truth. Upon entering, I prepared myself for the serious yet stern conversation that I anticipated having with the concierge. It must have been my night. That or 2 am is the prime time of the day that my appearance is at it's best, either way the conversation was far from stern. I made friends with the front desk easily and they gave me the keys to the hotel room, no problem. "They'll settle it in the morning!" he said. My room was awesome. I had it all to myself and the balcony overlooked the scenic pool surrounded by palm trees. Double Win.
The rest of the week seemed to follow in this fashion. I passed both teaching certification exams, was the first out of 181 teachers to register, moved into the dorms first, moved out of the dorms first, and secured housing for the year when I return after institute- All without really planning on it. I met some really fun people with big personalities that will be my colleagues and tfa family for the next two years.
I'm now at the airport heading to institute, which I hear is like teacher boot camp. I'm interested to see how the next 5 weeks will play out.
Until next time,
RTIII
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Leaving on a jet plane...
Howdy y'all,
Today I leave to start a new chapter in my life. This is surreal because around this time last year, May 2011, I wasn't even close to graduating college and now I'm on my way to Teach For America in Miami, Florida after having spent an entire 9 months in the great city of Austin, Texas learning and growing so much professionally and personally. This just affirms my belief that you learn a tremendous deal about yourself when you step out of your comfort zone and just experience life.
This past weekend was the most perfect way I could have spent my last weekend in Texas. I was out on a lake with great friends and didn't have a care in the world. Four days and three nights of being in a bathing suit, drinking my own concoction of southern style sweet tea, jet skiing, boat riding, cliff diving, and star gazing out on the dock at night- I am a true Texas girl, through and through.
While it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to travel and live in different cities after I graduated college, now that it's a reality it seems... Well, I can't quite pinpoint my emotion here; I've been trying to for some time now. Let there be no confusion. It would be a lie if I said that I wasn't unsure about my next steps. Excited? Yes. Nervous? Absolutely. Scared? Not so much. In some ways this move seems unreal. I feel like i'll come back to ATX in a couple of weeks and say, "that was fun, back to work," but that's not the case.
I'm mostly sad about leaving behind friendships that I have created here but I know that that is silly because true friendships survive whether you live in the same city or 2,000 miles away. I know the friendships that make up my Austin family will continue for years to come. I'll just miss hanging out with them every day. I thank them, my ATX friends, because they have helped my realize some things about myself.
I know that i'll make great friends in Miami and will not want to leave them when the time comes either. In a way, this is great to make friends in different cities, in another way it's not so great, because I'll eventually have to say good bye. That's not particularly a trait that I want to grow accustomed to. Making new friends, yes. Saying goodbye, no thank you.
So, having said that, this is NOT goodbye my dear ATX friends. This is simply an "I'll see you later." We will continue to keep in touch, and when we will see each other it will be as if we were never apart. I am blessed to have made such awesome friends in you wonderful people.
In a few hours time I will be leaving on a jet plane away from my beloved Texas to conquer a whole new state. Let's see what the next chapter holds, shall we?
Until next time,
RTIII
Today I leave to start a new chapter in my life. This is surreal because around this time last year, May 2011, I wasn't even close to graduating college and now I'm on my way to Teach For America in Miami, Florida after having spent an entire 9 months in the great city of Austin, Texas learning and growing so much professionally and personally. This just affirms my belief that you learn a tremendous deal about yourself when you step out of your comfort zone and just experience life.
This past weekend was the most perfect way I could have spent my last weekend in Texas. I was out on a lake with great friends and didn't have a care in the world. Four days and three nights of being in a bathing suit, drinking my own concoction of southern style sweet tea, jet skiing, boat riding, cliff diving, and star gazing out on the dock at night- I am a true Texas girl, through and through.
While it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to travel and live in different cities after I graduated college, now that it's a reality it seems... Well, I can't quite pinpoint my emotion here; I've been trying to for some time now. Let there be no confusion. It would be a lie if I said that I wasn't unsure about my next steps. Excited? Yes. Nervous? Absolutely. Scared? Not so much. In some ways this move seems unreal. I feel like i'll come back to ATX in a couple of weeks and say, "that was fun, back to work," but that's not the case.
I'm mostly sad about leaving behind friendships that I have created here but I know that that is silly because true friendships survive whether you live in the same city or 2,000 miles away. I know the friendships that make up my Austin family will continue for years to come. I'll just miss hanging out with them every day. I thank them, my ATX friends, because they have helped my realize some things about myself.
I know that i'll make great friends in Miami and will not want to leave them when the time comes either. In a way, this is great to make friends in different cities, in another way it's not so great, because I'll eventually have to say good bye. That's not particularly a trait that I want to grow accustomed to. Making new friends, yes. Saying goodbye, no thank you.
So, having said that, this is NOT goodbye my dear ATX friends. This is simply an "I'll see you later." We will continue to keep in touch, and when we will see each other it will be as if we were never apart. I am blessed to have made such awesome friends in you wonderful people.
In a few hours time I will be leaving on a jet plane away from my beloved Texas to conquer a whole new state. Let's see what the next chapter holds, shall we?
Until next time,
RTIII
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Half Mexican, half Vietnamese, full TEXAN.
So I guess i'm a bit of a fibber. "Six posts, one per week that I have left in Austin", maybe that was a tad bit ambitious given the amount of things on my several to-do lists.
This weekend was another great addition to my string of extremely fun and adventurous weekends. I have had something planned every single weekend since the new year. Some fun, like this past one, and others were working weekends. Either way, I've had a blast. I've danced on the state capitol steps, had several karaoke nights, hosted several dinner parties including a crawfish boil- a first for me. I've met my doppelgängers, witnessed my cousins wedding, danced my way through almost every bar on 6th, frequented the ever beautiful Hamilton Pool, and have had my fair share of fun in several neighboring cities. Needless to say, I have explored this city top to bottom and, after nine months, I am still completely enamored with this city! However, I don't think I'd have had this much fun if it weren't for the friendships I have made along the way.
I've been reflecting a lot lately.
And I must say this, while I am completely excited to start a new chapter in my life, I find myself overwhelmed with deep emotion. This year I have made friends that will forever be part of my Austin family and I have a special place in my heart for them.
My roommates are interesting. Just kidding. I love my roommates. We have created a special home here in Austin that involve all things Dr. Who, random instruments assembling together, new cuisine, and dinner party hosting. We crack jokes and are entirely too sarcastic with each other and I love them for it. I am really going to miss them. When are we going to throw The Rubber Band Ball guys?
My second, or first depending on viewpoint, set of roommates are the bomb.com as well. I love the fact that I can just go over to their place, at any given point in time, without notice, and walk in and act like I live there too. It's great. I've had some amazing times with them!
Then there's my AmeriCorps group. What can I say? I felt like we have all bonded over late night office raids, countless calls to parents, coming to the office early, leaving the office late, and oh yeah, we still found time to hang out outside of work. The people I work with are truly inspiring and make me proud to work alongside them.
And let's not forget the fantastic people that I have met through these groups. From their significant others, to the people they work with, and everywhere in between, they have filled in any gaps making this a truly cohesive hodgepodge of people whom I care for greatly!
These people make up my Austin family. We all came to this city not really knowing a soul and in just 9 short months we have bonded to create this extremely diverse yet full of awesome family! It's hard knowing that I'll leave them in just a few short weeks but I know that we have created friendships that will last.
I'm going to miss Texas. The beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, just the culture that IS Texas. With the people I have in my life right now, I just want to drive out to a lake, pitch a camp, serve beverages from my tailgate, and soak up my surroundings without a care in the world.
Until next time,
RTIII
This weekend was another great addition to my string of extremely fun and adventurous weekends. I have had something planned every single weekend since the new year. Some fun, like this past one, and others were working weekends. Either way, I've had a blast. I've danced on the state capitol steps, had several karaoke nights, hosted several dinner parties including a crawfish boil- a first for me. I've met my doppelgängers, witnessed my cousins wedding, danced my way through almost every bar on 6th, frequented the ever beautiful Hamilton Pool, and have had my fair share of fun in several neighboring cities. Needless to say, I have explored this city top to bottom and, after nine months, I am still completely enamored with this city! However, I don't think I'd have had this much fun if it weren't for the friendships I have made along the way.
I've been reflecting a lot lately.
And I must say this, while I am completely excited to start a new chapter in my life, I find myself overwhelmed with deep emotion. This year I have made friends that will forever be part of my Austin family and I have a special place in my heart for them.
My roommates are interesting. Just kidding. I love my roommates. We have created a special home here in Austin that involve all things Dr. Who, random instruments assembling together, new cuisine, and dinner party hosting. We crack jokes and are entirely too sarcastic with each other and I love them for it. I am really going to miss them. When are we going to throw The Rubber Band Ball guys?
My second, or first depending on viewpoint, set of roommates are the bomb.com as well. I love the fact that I can just go over to their place, at any given point in time, without notice, and walk in and act like I live there too. It's great. I've had some amazing times with them!
Then there's my AmeriCorps group. What can I say? I felt like we have all bonded over late night office raids, countless calls to parents, coming to the office early, leaving the office late, and oh yeah, we still found time to hang out outside of work. The people I work with are truly inspiring and make me proud to work alongside them.
And let's not forget the fantastic people that I have met through these groups. From their significant others, to the people they work with, and everywhere in between, they have filled in any gaps making this a truly cohesive hodgepodge of people whom I care for greatly!
These people make up my Austin family. We all came to this city not really knowing a soul and in just 9 short months we have bonded to create this extremely diverse yet full of awesome family! It's hard knowing that I'll leave them in just a few short weeks but I know that we have created friendships that will last.
I'm going to miss Texas. The beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, just the culture that IS Texas. With the people I have in my life right now, I just want to drive out to a lake, pitch a camp, serve beverages from my tailgate, and soak up my surroundings without a care in the world.
Until next time,
RTIII
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Home Stretch
April is here and I do adore this time of year. It marks the beginning of some things and the end of others. For example, baseball season is here and, with all of it's outdoor festivities and fun, it's hard not to be enchanted by the welcoming atmosphere of a live game. But April also marks the end of things, like my cherished stint here in Austin Texas. It seems like just two weeks ago I was easing into my transition here and now I'm starting my fading out process. Okay, so 'fading out' seems a bit dramatic but, if you'd had the experiences I've had out here, you'd understand my choice of words. I simply cannot just leave this place. One does not simply quit ATX cold, like a bad habit. There is a process and I must endure it to ensure I don't get a bad case of withdrawals. You understand.
It has been quite a while since my last post and while the expected thing to do now is to write an update on what I did during the gap, I must confess that I will not. That is quite a feat and I simply could not do it justice in one post. In it's stead, rather, I shall make an attempt to post something once a week for the rest of my time here in ATX. Six weeks, six posts. Some will reflect what I'm doing that week and some may take the time to talk about things I did during the gap.
For the remainder of my time here I shall continue to work relentlessly at my current job-which I love, I shall continue to meet all the 'action items' assigned to me, start studying for my teacher certification exams, and figure out a game plan to move me from Austin to Miami- all while trying to soak up as much of this wondrous city with my friends whenever I get the chance! The rest of my time here will not be idle, that is for sure!
I am in the home stretch- let's see what the next chapter holds, shall we?
Until next time,
RTIII
It has been quite a while since my last post and while the expected thing to do now is to write an update on what I did during the gap, I must confess that I will not. That is quite a feat and I simply could not do it justice in one post. In it's stead, rather, I shall make an attempt to post something once a week for the rest of my time here in ATX. Six weeks, six posts. Some will reflect what I'm doing that week and some may take the time to talk about things I did during the gap.
For the remainder of my time here I shall continue to work relentlessly at my current job-which I love, I shall continue to meet all the 'action items' assigned to me, start studying for my teacher certification exams, and figure out a game plan to move me from Austin to Miami- all while trying to soak up as much of this wondrous city with my friends whenever I get the chance! The rest of my time here will not be idle, that is for sure!
I am in the home stretch- let's see what the next chapter holds, shall we?
Until next time,
RTIII
Friday, January 27, 2012
Bow Ties are cool.
As the first month of 2012 comes to a close, it would suffice it to say that is has been anything but boring. The year of the Dragon started off with a proper bang and the aftereffects of the explosion have yet to recede; I fully intend on riding this wave out for the next 11 months.
Day 1, 2012
A group of friends unite around a rooftop bar overlooking the vibrant city lights of Austin. The atmosphere on the open rooftop was charged with excitement, intoxication, and the thrilling sensation of a young night full of spontaneity and adventure. No one paid any notice to the actual weather, which was unseasonably perfect for an outdoor celebration. With one hand claiming a cup, lined perfectly in a row on the bar, each attendee anxiously awaited their first drink of the new year; while in the other hand, they were on a personal challenge to have as many last drinks for the previous year. As the count down to zero begins, the bartender readies the bottle to pour into the expecting cups lined perfectly along the bar-top. Irish car bombs have become somewhat of a tradition for some in the group and with the absence of a properly furnished bar, the bartender uses a makeshift technique to deliver this particular recipe, hence the line of cups. The ball drops, the drinks are poured, and one by one each person throws back their cup, while directly overhead a fireworks display help bring in the new year. The scene that was created at 12:00 AM would have looked right at home on a movie set.
7:00 AM
I witnessed the first sunrise of the new year in all of it's glory. Each ray of sunlight proudly displayed its full range of color. I'm so happy I was able to witness this sight with my biff.
NYE, ATX 2012 was a success.
Since new years I have danced on the steps of the capital with a thousand people with the Decentralized Dance Party, I've become hooked on the 11th doctor, been compelled by the science of deduction by none other than Holmes himself, and have played my violin for the first time in 5 years.
My days in ATX are now limited. I have only 4 more months in the mesmerizing city and there is still many things I have yet to do. It is my mission to accomplish everything on my list by May 31.
May 31st?
Challenge accepted.
Until next time,
RTIII
Day 1, 2012
A group of friends unite around a rooftop bar overlooking the vibrant city lights of Austin. The atmosphere on the open rooftop was charged with excitement, intoxication, and the thrilling sensation of a young night full of spontaneity and adventure. No one paid any notice to the actual weather, which was unseasonably perfect for an outdoor celebration. With one hand claiming a cup, lined perfectly in a row on the bar, each attendee anxiously awaited their first drink of the new year; while in the other hand, they were on a personal challenge to have as many last drinks for the previous year. As the count down to zero begins, the bartender readies the bottle to pour into the expecting cups lined perfectly along the bar-top. Irish car bombs have become somewhat of a tradition for some in the group and with the absence of a properly furnished bar, the bartender uses a makeshift technique to deliver this particular recipe, hence the line of cups. The ball drops, the drinks are poured, and one by one each person throws back their cup, while directly overhead a fireworks display help bring in the new year. The scene that was created at 12:00 AM would have looked right at home on a movie set.
7:00 AM
I witnessed the first sunrise of the new year in all of it's glory. Each ray of sunlight proudly displayed its full range of color. I'm so happy I was able to witness this sight with my biff.
NYE, ATX 2012 was a success.
Since new years I have danced on the steps of the capital with a thousand people with the Decentralized Dance Party, I've become hooked on the 11th doctor, been compelled by the science of deduction by none other than Holmes himself, and have played my violin for the first time in 5 years.
My days in ATX are now limited. I have only 4 more months in the mesmerizing city and there is still many things I have yet to do. It is my mission to accomplish everything on my list by May 31.
May 31st?
Challenge accepted.
Until next time,
RTIII
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
If my 9 year-old self could see me now, she'd think I made our dreams come true.
Yesterday I was asked to visit one of Breakthrough's middle school sites located in the neighboring city of Manor. I was to be a guest speaker for their First-Generation Speaker Series. One of the qualifications to become apart of Breakthrough is that you must be a first-generation college intended, meaning neither of your parents graduated from a college in the States. Because all of our students share this commonality, we invite people from the community who were also first-generation college graduates to share their stories with the students.
At the end of my story-telling session I invited the room full of 6th graders to ask me questions; I was not prepared for what happened next. I was blown away with how perceptive they were to the finer details of my story, their questions were truly amazing. I answered each of their questions, the q&a portion lasted as long as the story-telling did, and I couldn't help but boast a smile that threatened to not leave my face for hours after. We finally came to an end and the students were dismissed to their tables for snack time. As I was about to leave the room a girl rushed up to me and shoved a notebook and pen in my face. Written on the sheet was one sentence- "People who inspire me:_____________________." She then asked me to sign on the line.
I have plenty of reasons to be thankful this holiday season. I must confess, I have been putting off writing this particular entry for quite some time now. It's not for the lack of inspiration, I just couldn't quite bring myself to write this. However, when this young girl asked me to sign that sheet of paper I knew that I had to celebrate it. No, I am not celebrating my awesome story-telling abilities, however awesome they may be, I am celebrating that some part of my story resonated with an 11 year old girl I had never met prior to that moment. I can't quite explain what feeling overtook me, because I'm still trying to understand it, but the gift of sharing has made a profound impact on me.
Three weeks ago today I learned that out of 47,000 applicants for Teach For America only 11% were accepted and my application made the cut. I was shocked. I had been audience for many an anecdote re-telling sad stories about candidates who, in my opinion, were more than qualified for a spot in this competitive program yet had not received admittance. I am blessed to have this chance to help what is considered the civil rights movement of our time- education reform. I will do my part and 'fight in the trenches' to try and make a difference. I am thankful for this. I'm sure it will be a humbling experience, to say the least, but it will also mark the introduction to a new chapter in my life. I don't know what that chapter holds but i'm excited.
While i'm on a roll, I would also like to express my love for my family and friends. That they continue to be in my life now and as I continue further is a true testament to love. I'm also thankful for the new friends in my life for what good is it to live if you can't laugh?
This entry is a lot longer than I wanted it to be, but what did I expect, I have been putting this off for a month now. This'll show me to never put off writing an entry again..then again I do have a track record of being a procrastinator. I have great friends, a supportive and loving family, a mission to work for, and have been granted the opportunity to be apart of something much larger than myself. I'm humbled and grateful this holiday season. I signed my name on the line for that student in hopes that she one day strives to become someone who inspires others.
Until next time,
RTIII
At the end of my story-telling session I invited the room full of 6th graders to ask me questions; I was not prepared for what happened next. I was blown away with how perceptive they were to the finer details of my story, their questions were truly amazing. I answered each of their questions, the q&a portion lasted as long as the story-telling did, and I couldn't help but boast a smile that threatened to not leave my face for hours after. We finally came to an end and the students were dismissed to their tables for snack time. As I was about to leave the room a girl rushed up to me and shoved a notebook and pen in my face. Written on the sheet was one sentence- "People who inspire me:_____________________." She then asked me to sign on the line.
I have plenty of reasons to be thankful this holiday season. I must confess, I have been putting off writing this particular entry for quite some time now. It's not for the lack of inspiration, I just couldn't quite bring myself to write this. However, when this young girl asked me to sign that sheet of paper I knew that I had to celebrate it. No, I am not celebrating my awesome story-telling abilities, however awesome they may be, I am celebrating that some part of my story resonated with an 11 year old girl I had never met prior to that moment. I can't quite explain what feeling overtook me, because I'm still trying to understand it, but the gift of sharing has made a profound impact on me.
Three weeks ago today I learned that out of 47,000 applicants for Teach For America only 11% were accepted and my application made the cut. I was shocked. I had been audience for many an anecdote re-telling sad stories about candidates who, in my opinion, were more than qualified for a spot in this competitive program yet had not received admittance. I am blessed to have this chance to help what is considered the civil rights movement of our time- education reform. I will do my part and 'fight in the trenches' to try and make a difference. I am thankful for this. I'm sure it will be a humbling experience, to say the least, but it will also mark the introduction to a new chapter in my life. I don't know what that chapter holds but i'm excited.
While i'm on a roll, I would also like to express my love for my family and friends. That they continue to be in my life now and as I continue further is a true testament to love. I'm also thankful for the new friends in my life for what good is it to live if you can't laugh?
This entry is a lot longer than I wanted it to be, but what did I expect, I have been putting this off for a month now. This'll show me to never put off writing an entry again..then again I do have a track record of being a procrastinator. I have great friends, a supportive and loving family, a mission to work for, and have been granted the opportunity to be apart of something much larger than myself. I'm humbled and grateful this holiday season. I signed my name on the line for that student in hopes that she one day strives to become someone who inspires others.
Until next time,
RTIII
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