Why Teach for America?

Everyday there are social injustices occurring in this country. Racial profiling, police brutality, mass murders, unfair trials... The list goes on and on. However, one social injustice that I think is arguably one of the most important occurs within the educational system. All students are not treated equally. It is a known fact that students who come from families with a more stable financial situation are almost automatically set up to receive a better education than those who don't come from a socioeconomically sound background.

One misconception that is prevalent in today's society is that children growing up in poverty cannot achieve at the highest levels. 

The keyword in that statement is undoubtedly misconception. Children from impoverished communities are just as likely to have academic successes as children from wealthy communities. Due to the systemic lack of equity, that misconception is reflected in the statistics. There are numerous setbacks for the children who become a statistic, which means there are numerous potential solutions. Teach for America's mission is: "To enlist, develop, and mobilize as many people as possible of our nation's most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence."

I am now about to begin my senior year at UNC Charlotte. Within my three years at this university, I have changed my mind dozens of times regarding what I want my career to be when I graduate. I wanted to be a social worker, lawyer, news anchor, magazine editor in chief, and the list goes on and on. Something that I noticed about those career choices is that they were just phases. I would see an article or show that would inspire me to be something else almost every single day. Being Mary Jane inspired me to be a news anchor. My aunt inspired me to be a lawyer. Grey's Anatomy is starting to inspire me to be a surgeon [if you know me, you know how ridiculous that is].

My passion for Teach for America is not a phase. It is a lifelong journey full of fervor that I am so excited to begin.

It all started with a conversation at work with a friend and previous co-worker Jamilah. I should really say multiple conversations because she really talked Teach for America up. I listened to what she had to say but I wasn't truly captivated by the idea. Then I randomly got an email about a webinar information session and signed up for it on a whim. It was literally love at first sight. I made a contact with the rep who led the webinar and started doing a little bit of research on my own. Next thing you know, I was starting my application for early admittance to the corps. 

Everyone in my immediate family is artistic except for me. Everyone has their talent. Except for me. People say that I'm smart but I really just pay attention in class and take good notes. I played the viola but I was average at that. I cheered and played basketball and I was definitely average at that. It's always been hard for me to figure out what my niche is. I've always felt talentless and my passion for anything has lacked because of that.

Although I have yet to begin the actual teaching and I have an entire year for that part of my life to start, I finally feel full. 

I feel like I've found my talent and passion in Teach for America. I feel electrified when I imagine the difference that I'm going to make in a child's life. I feel the terror when I think about how much responsibility I'm going to have in my classroom. But overall, I feel the passion in my heart for the amazing organization that Teach for America is.

I am so excited to share my journey as a TFA Corps Member with you all next year. It's going to be an adventure without a doubt. I feel like a lot of people expected "more" of me or think that I am copping out by becoming a teacher. However, that is not the case at all. I am happier and more proud of myself right now for doing this than I have ever been in my entire life. 

There is a saying that goes "Those who cannot do, teach." Just take a second to think about those who "do." Who gave them the tools necessary to be able to do whatever it is that they do? Who instilled an interest or passion in their minds? Who believed in them and basically set them up for life? Why, a teacher did of course. Teaching is the most under appreciated and underpaid profession in this country and arguably the most difficult. And to me, that is not a cop out. 

Smooches, 

The College Natural