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Corps Year: 2003 |
What are some of the biggest changes you see happening now in the Delta related to Teach For America’s mission?
The biggest changes I've seen in the Delta are connected to the growing trend of corps members that are extending their commitment to the Delta beyond their two years. I am now entering my sixth year in the Delta, and I've seen some extraordinary signs of progress. More and more of my fellow corps members are getting married and starting families right here in the Delta. I know corps members that are leading charter schools and others that are principals in district schools. A few Teach For America alumni have moved out of the classroom but are still living in the Delta. And I especially love to see corps members who have tried to leave the Delta, only to find themselves pulled right back. As new corps members continue to see alumni who truly make the Delta their home, this trend will only continue.
What do you personally think it’s going to take to make a lasting impact in the Delta?
A major cause of the problems we're working to eliminate is the fact that so many talented people have left this region over the past couple of decades. Likewise, progress in the Delta will continue as more and more talented young adults choose to make the Delta their home. Young professionals bring innovative ideas, energy, and leadership to any community they move to. Teach For America has contributed greatly to bringing young adults to communities in need of fresh ideas. As corps members fulfill their long-term interests, while maintaining their commitment to the Delta, these communities will benefit in ways that stretch beyond the classroom. Current corps members might go on to become local doctors, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
What areas of the Delta are ripe for change, and what’s it going to take to make that change happen?
The Delta is in a place right now where tremendous change can take place. This has been said time and time again in this region, and there are some people who are skeptical about the possibilities. But with the influx of talented people coming into the area, the Delta is truly ripe for change. As we continue to improve public education, we'll produce more students who will earn their college degrees and bring their skills back to the Delta. As this happens, better leadership and economic growth will certainly follow. Most importantly, these changes will help to push away the racial fear and mistrust that have held this entire region down for far too long. Granted, there is no magic bullet solution that will improve the Delta. But as you read this, we are witnessing a growing movement that will bring long-lasting change to a region that so desperately needs it.
What were your career plans before joining Teach For America • Delta? How did your experience here change or strengthen those plans?
I have always wanted to pursue a career in public service, and I've always been interested in education reform. Before Teach For America, I was planning on working on Capitol Hill, which was something I wanted to do throughout my college years. From there, the plan was to go to law school, then come back to Mississippi. Over five years after I decided to apply to Teach For America, my ultimate goals haven't changed. I still want to be in Mississippi and work in public service, focusing on education reform. The difference is that being a
Teach For America • Delta corps member has prepared me for this work in a way no Washington job ever could. It was here where I met my incredible wife (a fellow corps member), found an excellent grad school program (the nation's first master’s of public service), and have already worked on education reform projects. While my ultimate goal hasn't changed, Teach For America has given me a much more fulfilling path to get there.
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