Monday, February 21, 2011

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

Tomorrow, I have an interview with Teach for America. For forty-five minutes, I'll be answering questions and discussing my interest in teaching over the phone. This has the potential to be a really awesome, engaging conversation... or a little awkward. Obviously, I'm hoping and preparing for the former.


I'm nervous. [This is supposed to be my nervous face, but I look more like I'm constipated.] I want this position more than I will admit to any of you. This is evident to me because of how much I have tried to prepare for tomorrow. Normally for interviews, I wear a cute outfit and smile a lot hoping that will get me the job.

Tomorrow, however, is different.

This position is such a chance for a daring adventure, an amazing opportunity to teach in a low-income school system. A few months ago, I would have never considered applying. But reading Wendy Kopp's [the founder of TFA] books, talking to corps members, and seeing the significant impact this organization is having on our nation... my ideas of teaching were changed.

I want to be a corps member of Teach for America because I want to be a part of something great. And really, what's more important than making sure every child in America, no matter the color of their skin or what city they're born in, has the same chances and educational opportunities as the rest of the nation?

If we're supposed to be a land of equal opportunity, shouldn't this be evident in our schools? Shouldn't each child, no matter their socioeconomic situations or their geographical locations, be able to dream, to aspire to achieve greatness?

The answer is yes. Yes, they should.

If you think of it tomorrow, please pray for my interview. This is one daring adventure I very much wish to be apart of, but they only accept 12 percent of those who apply. So I obviously don't want to count my chickens just yet.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like you should come volunteer with me. :)

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  2. I'll be praying for you!!! Good GOOD luck :]

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  3. Proud of you for taking a leap of faith with this. I love the TFA program. I'm very passionate about low-income schools and I think it's awesome that you're interested in being a part of it. Praying that God will guide your words tomorrow during the interview.

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  4. Jena, this is so incredibly exciting! My best friend in the whole world is working for TFA and is leaving for Baltimore this summer. I know how anxious and excited she was, so I can imagine how you are feeling. I will definitely say a prayer for you. After all you've helped me through, it's the least I could do. Good luck tomorrow :)

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  5. I'll be praying for you tomorrow!

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  6. I've heard nothing but good things about TFA from passionate people such as yourself! That's so super exciting. I'll definitely be praying for you!

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