teach for america

I did not send my teach for America application yesterday. I decided that Russ has supported me through my undergraduate work, and now that he has a lot of promising career opportunities on the horizon, it is nothing but fair that I would stick with him and see where those go.

It’s his turn. I’m happy to do this for him.

If his job isn’t panning out by this time next year, I will apply to Teach for America. It is not something I have lost interest in, but I do feel it is the wrong time to pursue it.

My second essay about overcoming the challenge was fine, but my letter of intent is apparently in need of some serious work. Mom said I sounded like I was trying way too hard, and that I was unorganized and trying to hit too many points. Ouch. I generally never have problems with anything written, but this is just stumping me because I am writing so much for a really, really narrow audience who will be giving me a job. It’s frightening. Oh well, I’ll complete it tomorrow.

is, too! I am e-mailing them to my mother for her to read over and edit, and then tomorrow I send off my completed application! On January 10, they post who made it to the phone interview round. I’ll keep y’all posted, of course!

...is finished. I did it today in one straight shot. I intended to finish both essays, but then my friend Cameron called and suggested going to get massages.

...and then after the massage I was so sleepy all I wanted to do was sleep.

...so I watched seven episodes of Sex and the City as a compromise.

I have to write two 500 word essays to complete my application.

• Why do you seek to join Teach For America? What would make you an effective corps member?*

• Describe a time when you encountered serious obstacles to success while working on a project. You may choose any academic, professional, or extracurricular project you have worked on during the past four years. Your essay should address all of the following questions:
  • What was the aim of the project?
  • What were the specific obstacles that arose, and why did they occur?
  • How specifically did you respond to those obstacles? What specific actions did you take? You may describe more than one approach, if relevant.
  • What was the ultimate outcome with respect to the initial aim of the project? Why did this outcome occur?

I need to set aside a time to do this. I have learned that it is impossible to actually get work DONE at my mother’s-I have to do it elsewhere and then take it to her to edit. Perhaps I could do this today?...

I need encouragement :-(

is the deadline for my round of applications. I will know the following week if I have moved on to the phone interview stage of the process. I know in my heart that if I can just be granted a phone interview, I will be selected for the program. I am wonderful on the phone and in front of people-and usually on paper-but when I had to answer “Yes.” to “Have you ever been the defendant in a criminal court case?” I feel like it would be a miracle if they move me forward.

But really, even though the program is competitive, how many people REALLY are begging to go teach inner-city kids for no money in a place in which they have never lived?