join Teach for America

So I made it to the interview and things were going well. The day of my interview I got sick and had to rush to the ER. (I never get sick). I took this as a sign Teach For America is not where I need to be at the moment, I promptly sent my application to Peace Corps, and I am ALL smiles as I wait…. fingers crossed…

I’ve decided that this is not where I am suppose to be.

I am getting married and moving into a very poor community in Baltimore. We have decided to be “part of the problem” so we may gain insight into ways to be truly helpful. My future wife has worked in the neighborhood for a few years. It is a little overwhelming, but it is certainly where I need to be.

I want to jojn TFA because several of my other teachers have done it, and it really let them have fun, and help kids who need it.

Filled out the application last night.

I met a young lady that I helped at the University of Maryland. She reminded me a lot of my daughter, and I always had really strong paternal feeling towards her. Anyway, I was at the airport picking up my beat friend and there she was. My best friend was one of her professors and recognized her and knew I would be thrilled to see her. We talked and she told me about her experiences in Teach For America. She was home for a recruiting visit.

She touched my heart. I could not be more proud to know her. I am at a point in my life where I might be able to do this.

moved to consolidated long term goal list.

And I still want to do it, but only if I end up in a place near someone I love. After my experiences this year in a small town (in France, no less!) with no one my own age, no one with whom I could hang out, I have realized that I am not capable of doing such a thing in such a small place all by myself. I have social needs. I need a network of support – friends, family, a coworker with whom I get along really well, you name it, I need it. And I’m a happier person and thus a better worker when I am surrounded by people who care for me. Maybe it’s selfish, but it’s what I need.