the tapestry of my life.

Hello, Everyone! 

Wow, where do I even begin? I guess I can begin by saying that I GRADUATED on May 6th.

I know that when August rolls around, I will still be in college mode--ready to head back to UK and put my nose in my books. But, alas, that's not what will happen. Well, my nose will be in books--Algebra I and Geometry textbooks instead of works by Shakespeare, Zora Neale Hurston, and Don DeLillo. 

Thinking about how I got to where I am now feels like such a distant memory. It all started in October when I went to a "Be the Change" conference with a dear friend. Being an English Education major, I was already interested in the state of our country's educational system, and this conference more than intensified my desire to work in education simply because they focused on key issues that resonate with my passions. You see, my heart has always deeply yearned to work in a place where I can truly be the hands and feet of Christ. I knew early on in my college career that education was the venue for me--a mission of which I could dedicate my time to. This conference was even more significant, however, because it planted a bug in my ear--a Teach for America bug. I had heard of this organization. But, in all honesty, I was a little leery of it. I couldn't help but question its motives, especially after hearing about there being Teach for America teachers placed in my own community in Appalachia. I questioned why college graduates would want to dedicate two years of their lives to teaching students if that's not what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I even made some huge assumptions, ones that I am embarrassed to admit even crossed my mind. Applicants probably just want to put this on their resume! I'm sure they just want the Americorps reward! THEY actually think that THEY can go into a community and completely revitalize the schools on their own! I remember leaving thinking about all of these things. I got into my car that night to drive home with a very heavy heart. In retrospect, I think my heart was heavy for all the students that were mentioned and their stories. 

A few days later, my phone rang while I was working in my residence hall. I decided to step behind the desk and answer the call. Hello... and, this is where my Teach for America adventure really began. On the other side of the phone was a very peppy, very exuberant Teach for America Campus Campaign Coordinator inviting me to go to Appalachia and observe a classroom led by a Teach for America corps member. I told her that I was not interested in applying and that I would be attending graduate school in the fall. She kind of laughed it off, saying that this was a fantastic opportunity to observe a classroom. It couldn't hurt, I thought. So, I told her to sign me up for the trip. 

This one day of observation in Appalachia completely overwhelmed me. I observed some amazing students learning from an amazing teacher. I saw enthusiastic teachers teaching enthusiastic, joyful students. I remember writing down this exact words on my observation sheet: students WANT to learn from this teacher! and they are so SMART! I left the school on cloud nine. That's what school is supposed to be like. After we observed for the day, we had dinner with one of the teachers that I observed. She was young, just out of college. And she was EXCITED, so so so excited to be teaching in Appalachia. She loved her students and cared deeply about their educational well-beings. She wanted the best for them, and she wasn't going to stop until they proved what was possible for themselves.

And, so, there you have it. After this weekend, I was in. I wanted to fight for my future students, too! I remember sitting around a big conference table with other potential applicants talking about what we observed this day and how we were feeling about TFA's mission in Appalachia (and around the country). When it was my turn to speak, I immediately teared up. In my heart I realized that I, a student from Appalachia, had been a product of the achievement gap. (I went into college with low ACT scores, having to take remedial classes.) But, somewhere in between my freshman year and my senior year, I was able to beat the odds and graduate summa cum laude. I began to think about what was different about my story and why I made it and others that I graduated high school with did not. Perhaps it was my parents that supported me, my work ethic, or, more than anything, God's mighty hand carrying me through when I felt as though I had nothing else to give. I felt personally invested in making sure that ALL students, no matter their background, receive a quality education. I applied to Teach for America because I wanted to work with a community of people that felt the same way I did. I was accepted in January. 

Since January, life has been a complete whirlwind. Like I mentioned above, I graduated, moved back to Whitesburg, and, then, in turn, moved to Mississippi for the summer to train for Teach for America. This summer has definitely been one to remember. I wanted to blog the entire time I was at training, but my sweet 5th graders took precedence. Oh, by the way, I taught 5th grade at Carver Elementary in Indianola, Mississippi. 

I had 8 AMAZING students with SO much potential. I hope to always remember them and their stories. I took SO many pictures, but I want to respect their privacy. You'll just have to take my word for it: they WERE (are) amazing. Every single day, I woke up at 5:00 in the morning, had an hour commute, left at 4:30 P.M., and lessoned planned for the remainder of the evening. It was hard work, but it was worth it. I learned what it was like to really help students become advocates for themselves. And, as 5th graders, they took ownership of their own successes. I left feeling so proud of them and thankful for my teaching team and my awesome mentors. 

Here is my wonderful teaching team. They rock--for real, though! 

After leaving Mississippi, I traveled to Alabama for orientation. I forgot to mention earlier that I will be teaching in Alabama for the next two years. And, I am SO excited. I know there is a long road ahead, but I also know that with a little bit of hard work (okay, a LOT of hard work), my students will beat the odds. 

I also found out that I (God-willing) will be teaching Algebra I and Geometry in the fall near Greensboro, Alabama. I move on Sunday, and I can't wait to get my new house situated. Thankfully, I already have a precious roommate that is also teaching math. **Funny side note: she was also an English major in college! :) I'm thrilled to move and begin my career. But, I know I cannot do it alone. Prayers are (and will be) appreciated! 

On Sunday, I will post more pictures of our new, lovely abode. 

Until then...