My New Life

Wow. The past 3 days have been a whirlwind. And a whirlwind that seems to have lasted for about 2 weeks. On Tuesday, I left Columbia about 8:30 to head to my new life in Atlanta. I was excited, but anxious, as is to be expected. I can honestly say, though, that just 3 days later, I am about 100 times more excited than I was on Tuesday. I feel so incredibly blessed and grateful for the new life that I have before me. I know that Atlanta, GA is exactly where I am supposed to be despite all the craziness that has led me actually being here.

Why you ask? Well, so many reasons. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon, checked in, met a few roommates, and went straight to a few introductory sessions before our Opening Dinner. Opening Dinner included a few presentations by members of our community, students, and Teach for America Corps Members. After hearing one graduate of Atlanta Public Schools tell his story, I was so convicted. As a Junior in High School, he decided he wanted to attend Moorehouse College, but was unable to do so. Despite his determination, hard work, and the support of his TFA teacher, he was already too behind. He very poetically told us, “my dream was to go to Moorehouse, but I’m not there. I’m at Community College.” It was heartbreaking to realize that his dreams, despite his own efforts and work ethic, weren’t possible. This is what drives me to want to be a “transformational teacher” (one of TFA’s buzz words/phrases). The reality is that these children don’t have the same opportunities I did. The reality is that no matter how hard they work, there are outside forces that prohibit their dreams. This was not my reality. I am continually realizing how little my success is my own, and how much of it is owed to chance. Owed to race, class, and socio-economic position.

On Wednesday, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site. Once again, such a convicting and inspiring experience. As all my friends and family know, racism and equality are issues that I am very passionate about. So, to realize the historic significance of the city that I’m working in, pertaining to race, was so powerful. Joining TFA has been such a life changing experience already for me, and I am incredibly excited to realize exactly how deeply connected my work is to the work of racial equality. I would not have such passionate views and such a desire for equality had it not been for TFA and I’m so grateful to be part of a community of people who are just as determined to fight for equality. It is incredibly humbling to realize the connection between my work as a teacher and the continuation of MLK Jr.’s vision.

Wednesday afternoon and Thursday consisted of more panels and sessions about teaching, leadership, race, class, and all kinds of deep discussion, which y’all realize by now, are all things that I love. I will not bore you with more details because, let’s be honest, not everyone loves to discuss these issues like I do. I just wanted to hit on a few of the most powerful experiences thus far.

I am incredibly grateful for all the experiences I’ve had and support I’ve received that have lead me to this place. Thanks to all who have been involved in my success and continue to provide support and opportunities.

I am currently on a bus back home to celebrate my childhood best friend, Amber’s wedding! So excited to be home and be part of such a special day, but itching to get back and get started learning more practical information about teaching. (Our teacher training officially starts next week.)

Thanks for reading, and I will try to keep updating throughout the next weeks, despite the crazy schedule that awaits me. (I’ll be catching the bus each morning at 6:30 AM. AH!)

Lauren