Q & A

What led you to apply to Teach For America?

I initially started my TFA application my senior year of college, but I got recruited to work at a hedge fund. Once I got deeper into my post-grad life, my greater purpose was missing. I still had a desire to make a positive social change and wanted to give back to communities similar to the one I came from, so I took a leap of faith and went into education.

What were some of the major lessons you learned during the corps? When you think about yourself before and after the corps, what changed?

The corps made me “walk the walk” and be a better person daily—especially because I had children depending on me. No other experience was more defining, character-wise. Teaching humbles you, but also empowers you to feel like you can make a difference and have a responsibility to do so.

How has your route been after the corps?

Like teaching, I wanted a platform to educate and inspire people. Journalism allows me to do that on the largest scale possible and weigh in on important social issues and current affairs. I currently work at TheGrio, a digital news site dedicated to stories connected to the African American community.

How has TFA prepared you as you’ve continued your career arc?

Being a middle school English teacher gave me incredible leadership experience that I apply every day. Skills such as lesson planning, presenting, and engaging students translate perfectly to a job where I’m expected to present new ideas to an audience in high-stress media situations, as well as break down complex issues and inspire people to care.