Thanks for the reminder

About a month ago, I volunteered for College Summit, an organization that strives to increase college access for youth from first-generation college backgrounds (among other underrepresented social identities). Soon-to-be seniors in high school were nominated by teachers or administrators at their school to attend a weekend-long workshop where they learned how to submit a college application as well as write a draft of a personal essay. Students chosen were described as "middle-level", not quite the top of the class but college-bound with some extra work. All of these students were also chosen because of leadership qualities or influential roles at school.

I worked as a writing coach; my role was to aid students in finding their voice and telling their story. I was brought back to my time in my Education 190 course. It was a democratic setting where teachers, or coaches in this case, stood on equal footing as students. Part of the process actually had me asking permission from students to coach them. The onus was all on the students to take advantage of the weekend.

The work that we accomplished was amazing and I am not surprised. The Peer Leaders (as we called them) were very bright students who have accomplished plenty despite facing major hardships. The next step for these students? As Peer Leaders, they were to return to their respective schools and use what they learned in College Summit classes. Because many were recognized as influential in their high schools, the goal is to have them lead by example and create a "college-going culture".

This experience brought up 2 things. 1) This work makes me happy and I really should keep access organizations in mind when I job search. 2) The idea of a "college-going culture" intrigues me. I assume that some schools have this culture inherently. Schools in upper-middle to high-income neighborhoods. Schools with a majority population. Schools where a majority of parents attended college and understand the application process and college experience. Schools that have connections with institutions of higher education.

College Summit is trying to create something that doesn't exist at these schools and they are doing it in a grass-roots way by starting with the students. I'm still forming my opinion on this strategy but I can't argue with empowering the students. There's nothing more powerful than seeing students fighting for their own education and opportunities. Now, if we could only get some help on the admissions and assessment side of the question...

My experience was definitely worthwhile and I encourage all of you to check out opportunities to get involved with College Summit. With all of my jabber about the college-going culture, I'd love to hear about aspects of your schools that help to foster a college-going culture. Does your school promote this type of culture? What are the challenges? What are some opportunities to confront those challenges?

Still kickin'

It has been 2 months since I received my teaching credential (YAY)! Now let me tell you, somewhere around January, we aspiring teachers were hit with the hard realization that we would not be getting jobs this upcoming year. When you're halfway through a grueling program, hearing those words don't really provide you with the FIRE you need to power through. You could see people fading away...

It's tough. It's tough knowing that once you finish, there's no definite light at the end. But then you realize that that's life. How often do things ever go according to plan anyway? You joke about it. You come to terms with it. And then...

You decide what you really want. Some people continue on to get their masters. Some go back to their accounting jobs. Some sub and keep their eyes open for any rare opportunities to arise. But this is when people take some good time to think about whether or not they want to stick with this.

My plan for the upcoming year hasn't been set in stone, but long term, I know exactly where I'm headed.

:)

Less Than A Month Away

...before the marathon begins once again. It´s been all quiet on the SupTeach front, but I anticipate a need to get thoughts down on blog on the horizon.

I´ve still been keeping up w/ your blogs too, and just to get us warmed up, here´s a fantastic quote found on dy/dan:

The teacher and the student listen to different music and wear different clothes and worry about different problems but curiosity unites them.

Even though I´ve been halfway across the globe since the day after the last day of school and I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity to rest, relax and re-energize, that´s the type of thing you read and cannot help but be reinspired to re-enter the classroom.

Happy Summer y'all. Feliz verano para todo. Milk the rest of it for all its worth.