I was considering Teach For America, and I had pretty near the same outlook on it. How was I, someone from the country with no teaching experience and no idea how to educate kids who either had no desire to learn or no resources, supposed to go into a classroom and make those kids love learning? I'm still on the fence, but I might apply just to see what happens with it.
I'm really glad that NOLA is awesome for you. I'd send you a postcard or give you a ring, but my American phone no longer turns on so I can get your number and I don't have an address for you.
I plan on having an address up soon! Hope you are well.
There are rural programs in Teach for America! You could handle farmers, right?! Anyway. These urban kids are rough, really rough, but I love them so much.
I'm so glad someone is interested in reading about it! I figured people would ignore it as a long post and I'd mostly be writing for myself! You're the best!
I didn't feel brave. I felt like I was doing what I had to do, and awkwardly. It wasn't until I talked to the other VISTAs at the site later on that day that I realized I'd handled the situation with moderate ease. My coworkers were angry, worn out, and ready to quit, or at least ask to be transfered to a different site. Many are still bitter about the lack of guidance.
I am still jealous of your experience in New Orleans. I'm considering doing the Vista program after graduation. My largest concern is not having dental care except for emergencies and limited health insurance (I have a VISTA at my work that had his wisdom teeth come in and was in excruciating pain. Not a great story). So we will see what I end up doing but I'm glad that you are enjoying New Orleans. I enjoy reading your stories and I hope you are still having a great time! <3
My program comes with no benefits, but it's only for a summer. But because they only pay you at the poverty level, you can apply for food stamps and Medicaid. I haven't because I am still covered by my parents, but many of the others have. Also, some of the organizations that the other VISTAS work for cover some benefits. You should definitely look into it.
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I was considering Teach For America, and I had pretty near the same outlook on it. How was I, someone from the country with no teaching experience and no idea how to educate kids who either had no desire to learn or no resources, supposed to go into a classroom and make those kids love learning? I'm still on the fence, but I might apply just to see what happens with it.
I'm really glad that NOLA is awesome for you. I'd send you a postcard or give you a ring, but my American phone no longer turns on so I can get your number and I don't have an address for you.
I miss you, and I can't wait until August.
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There are rural programs in Teach for America! You could handle farmers, right?! Anyway. These urban kids are rough, really rough, but I love them so much.
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You're a lot braver than I. I think that not being told everything you were not told, I would have cried after class every day for the first week.
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I'm so glad someone is interested in reading about it! I figured people would ignore it as a long post and I'd mostly be writing for myself! You're the best!
I didn't feel brave. I felt like I was doing what I had to do, and awkwardly. It wasn't until I talked to the other VISTAs at the site later on that day that I realized I'd handled the situation with moderate ease. My coworkers were angry, worn out, and ready to quit, or at least ask to be transfered to a different site. Many are still bitter about the lack of guidance.
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Thanks for reading!
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