Charlotte Induction

So I have just spent the last week in Charlotte and life has been pretty busy with Induction concluding tonight and I couldn't have asked for a better time. I'm exhausted, filled with questions, and so happy to have met such wonderful people and have such a great opportunity.

This past week we have learned the deeper meaning behind the achievement gap in Charlotte and how will impact one third, I repeat, one third of students in Charlotte. That number resounds in my mind about the positive impact we will have on these children's lives as we aim toward significant gains in the classroom. I am so privileged to be in the classroom here and although I am still in the dark about how I will achieve all that I want to in my classroom, I know that I have the power to do it. We have had sessions on Teach For America and AmeriCorps, the support we receive during this whole experience and have had so many opportunities to get to know the other CMs.

I'm happy to say that I have a great group of friends already up here, wonderful new roommates to fill the very big shoes of my great old roommates, and have a clearer vision of exactly why I not only want to teach but need to. I've been able to explore the Queen City and become more aquainted with the southern culture. I have an apartment which is great and is in a great area of the city and can't wait for all of you to come and visit!

One thing that I have really enjoyed this week is the diversity of thought between the CMs. We all come from such diverse backgrounds and educational areas that we all bring something different to the table. The insight that these people have is so refreshing to hear and opens my eyes to such different aspects of a single question I wouldn't have even considered. It's a very different discussion than I ever had at UCF and it's very enlightening and empowering.

With that being said, the other CMs and I take off for the Windy City on Sunday to begin Institute and honestly, I can't wait. Yes, we will be tired and I'll be slightly out of touch of reality but I can't wait to put a face behind the statistics and meet the children that I am working for.