How did your undergraduate and work experiences before this program inspire you to go into teaching and pursue an MAT degree?
As an undergraduate at Brown, I studied Public Policy and Education, with the goal in mind that I would shape U.S. education through policy work. However, all of those plans changed when I began to realize the vast separation of priorities education policymakers and teachers have when deciding what students need. After years of volunteering in Providence with students and interviewing teachers, the MAT program seemed like the answer to better understanding education systems and best serving the students within them. My background in public policy made me a great fit for the social studies discipline, as government affairs are still a huge interest to me.
Where are you doing your student teaching, and what do you like most about the experience there so far?
My student teaching experience is at Hope High School, down the street from Brown University. The best part about Hope is by far the students. Everyone I meet there is so sweet, caring, bright, and hardworking. If I am having a bad day, seeing the students every day brings me so much joy and energy. Hope High School is unsurprisingly an incredibly special place, and I feel so grateful to be a part of their community. My mentor teacher also inspires me every day as she is so present and caring. Even when she has a million things going on, she makes the student in front of her feel like her number one priority. My placement is better than I could have imagined, and I feel so lucky every day!
What are you most excited to teach?
Social studies is special because next year, when I am a fully fledged teacher, I won't necessarily get to choose exactly what subject I get to teach within social studies. However, as a woman of color, I am excited to teach and connect with my students of color and learn from their experiences. I hope to incorporate their experiences and worldview into whatever curriculum I create. This form of teacher-student partnership is very important to me.
Who is your #1 inspiration in your life?
My mom is my #1 inspiration. Every morning before school, she practically shoved some form of protein in my mouth to ensure that I had enough brain power for school. However hard I work, she has worked 10x harder to put me here. I am grateful to her and her sacrifices every single day. Without her I could not do what I am doing!
What is something you enjoy about living in Providence?
Summer in Providence is probably the most special time of the year. Many undergraduates leave for their hometowns, which pushes you off campus and into the local community. The flowers that bloom here are practically tropical, and the warm breeze by the bay calls me to bike to the beach almost every day. The community comes alive. Visit the parks and discover the myriad of cultural festivals that take place. Try a local bar by the water and stay up late chatting with new friends on a warm summer night. Have a picnic with takeout or charcuterie at India Point Park. Everything moves slower in Prov summer; soak it up and enjoy it!!!