Thomas joined TFA after serving as an aide to Texas state senator Eddie Lucio Jr. Teaching gave him a new perspective and passion for public service that has fueled his legal career.
Q & A
What led you to apply to Teach For America?
I was very interested in the mission of TFA, but I was also accepted to Harvard Law School. I loved the idea that you could teach, learn about the public education system, and then choose to improve the system from inside or outside. Thanks to TFA’s partnership with Harvard, I could do the corps and defer my admission.
How has Teach For America prepared you to succeed in your current role?
Being a litigator requires you to think quickly and be cool under pressure. Teachers must do this every minute in the classroom. The stakes are different, but the core skills required are the same. Teaching prepared me to be a confident lawyer, to prepare daily for the task ahead, and to prioritize challenges while advocating for my clients.