Julian Serrão (Connecticut ’12) had difficulty deciding between a career path in education and a more lucrative one in finance. After a visit to a juvenile detention center during his senior year, the decision became much easier.

Q & A

Why did you decide to join TFA as opposed to just starting your career in a different way?

I joined TFA because of the mission. I believe in equality and that all kids deserve an excellent education. I also knew that TFA would prepare me to excel at whatever I decided to do afterward. I knew TFA would be an experience that I would benefit from for a lifetime.

What beliefs did you develop during the corps?

I used to think that I couldn’t really make a difference, but once students came back and told me that I actually made a difference for them, my belief changed. I also used to think I could do things on my own, but now I’m very clear that I have to work with others to create the changes I’m committed to seeing in the world.

What about TFA surprised you?

I was surprised by the camaraderie of the corps. We were in it together, and we were there to support each other. We made it a fun, memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience as a group.