Some summer MAT bonding
Throughout this incredible year, I have had many mentors, colleagues, friends and family who have supported me in my endeavors. I wish to extend my deepest thanks to:
- Heather Roberts, my professor and university mentor, who has gone above and beyond in her support, feedback, and mentorship. Her written feedback is some of the best, most detailed feedback I have ever received. She is a shining star in the constellation of the Education department. Heather, thank you for helping me grow out of my shyness and uncertainty into the (mostly) confident teacher that I am today!
- Meghan Rosa, my mentor teacher, for everything from sage advice to help making copies when I’m running late. She is truly a rockstar teacher, and philosophies on urban education have changed the way I view myself and my students. Meghan, thank you so much for giving me the confidence to solve my own problems, for always being willing let me bounce my ideas off of you, and for challenging me to think so much more deeply about my own practice.
- Kyle Pahigian, UPCS on-site coordinator, for giving me some of the best advice on dealing with challenging classroom situations. I am so grateful to have been able to have you as an extra mentor at UPCS!
- Jie Park and Eric DeMeulenaere, Education Department faculty whose classes I have had the incredible opportunity to take. Both of you have pushed me to think about the state of public education in this country in different ways, and to take a radical stance on bringing about change in the classroom and in our community. Your teachings have been invaluable to me. Jie especially, you have been an incredible mentor this year, going above and beyond to help me.
- The Faculty, Staff and Students at UPCS: teaching at UPCS has been an incredible experience. The faculty and staff have been consistently helpful and supportive, and the students are some wonderful,
My awesome Humanities cohort and our incredible mentor, Heather
talented, sometimes goofy human beings; thank you for sharing your perspectives of the world with me.
- Andrea Allen: thank you for being my mentor as I became a mentor during the CSI program, helping me to get involved in the Main South community. Keep being the best MAT program coordinator!
- My fellow MATs: thank you for sharing your experiences with me. We were all able to learn and grow together, and I wish you best of luck on all of your future endeavors!
- My parents, family, and friends: Mom and Dad, I could not have done any of this without you. Thank you for giving me every opportunity to pursue my dreams. Friends, thank you for putting up with my complaining on bad days and constant gushing about how much I love what I do on the good days. I love you all (especially Roberto).
I cannot fully express on this page how grateful I am for everyone who has supported me along the way. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to grow a teacher.