No Regrets: One semester into the two years of TFA
(I can hardly believe I made the decision to join this movement over a year ago... see below)
Why I feel lucky to be doing what I do: I was unbelievably blessed with options such as choosing between public or private schools, participating in expensive travel soccer leagues, and my choice of an elite college or university. But the kids I teach do not have anywhere near the same opportunities I did. This is NOT because they are less smart, capable, or driven than I was at the age of 15. This is simply because of the environment into which they were born.
Many of them take food home for the weekend because putting groceries in the fridge is a constant struggle for their parents or guardians. Quite a few of them have opened up to me about family members who struggle with alcoholism, bankruptcy, gambling, and drug abuse. And a select group have suffered through the loss of an immediate family member, usually a single parent, in the last three months. How can I identify with students who are dealing with so much, when my life was, in comparison, a fairytale. The answer is simple: I can listen, reflect, and help them overcome.One of the first vocabulary words I taught this year was resiliency. This has become the theme of our year. By not just hearing but truly listening when my students tell their stories verbally, or through their writing, I can be the down-to-earth optimist that they may need in their otherwise chaotic life. By engaging in honest conversations about action steps they can take to solve the problems they face daily, I can be the role model that they don't necessarily have at home.
Teaching is NOT easy. But it is well worth it. The children I interact with each day show me time and again what it means to overcome. So as I reflect on my first semester as a high school teacher I am truly humbled by my students' resiliency. I know they will continue to inspire me to be the teacher and mentor they all deserve. So this season I will thank the incredible supporters in my life. I will listen, not just hear. And I will push myself to constantly grow and flourish, showing my kids that all they dream of is truly possible.
Happy Holidays,
Danielle
