Why are you interested in education?
Education is the foundation of our society, and it’s one of the determinants of success. Every student deserves a quality education that will enable them with the tools for success.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a teacher?
I think I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I have a distinct memory of myself at around five years old when I would play teacher instead of dress up. I would pretend to hand out papers and stand at the front of the room, teaching about ridiculous things. However, I majored in Political Science during my first year at Tulane and was hoping to go into educational policy. It wasn’t until my internship in NYC later that summer that I realized I wanted to be in the classroom.
How did working for Breakthrough influence your interest in teaching?
Since I started the teacher certification program late at Tulane, I was a few classes behind and did not receive a lot of opportunities to teach. I was passionate about teaching, but just because someone is passionate about singing doesn’t necessarily make them a great singer. So, I wanted to see if teaching really was the profession for me and if I even could do so. My first summer at Breakthrough instilled such confidence in my teaching abilities and reaffirmed my belief that teaching is what I am meant to do. Even my teaching professors noted in our formal observations how comfortable I was with the students and in front of the classroom, and it’s all thanks to Breakthrough.
What will you miss most about being a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow?
I will miss all of my students. The bonds that I forged with them are lifelong, and I know they are going to accomplish such great things. They are some of the most intelligent, wise, and funny people I have ever met, regardless of their age. When I was a Teaching Fellow, I was in constant awe at their ability and their commitment to their education. They were my first students, and they will always hold a special place in my heart and my memory.
What are you excited about in your new position as a teacher in Dallas?
I am most excited about learning how to be a better teacher. I chose my program, Urban Teachers, because their values and mission align so perfectly with my teaching and life philosophy. I love learning, and I love that I will be learning how to be the best version of me so that I can give my students an exceptional education that they deserve.
