This was posted on the wrong blog. :/
Originally written around 4.10.12
A Summation of My 2 Years in MTC
Well, initially I’d planned to talk about the experiences
and training and trials and tribulations.
But instead, I’ll talk about the PEOPLE who have impacted and completely
changed my life while in the Delta.
As I mentioned in my portfolio, the people I chose (and didn’t choose)
to surround myself with became my community. There is NO WAY I would have survived the tough days and
lonely nights without my support system.
I thank God for each of these individuals, for they have sustained me in
more ways than they can imagine.
So here goes!
In no particular order!
Philip Mohr- Philip was the very first MTCer I met in
Oxford. When I arrived, I had
trouble finding the meeting place.
Once I did, I plopped down next to Mr. Philip Mohr from New York (we
were seated alphabetically). From
the moment he introduced himself, I knew I was in for a treat. “Mr. Mo” kept me laughing the entire
day. We chatted about random
things and he found humor in wearing my “diva shades.” Fast forward- little did I know that
the crazy cool guy from New York would grow to be my favorite person in
MTC. His depth. His faith. His intellect.
There is never a dull conversation with Philip. And I love that he’s so accepting of
EVERYONE. Not judgmental. So genuine, self-aware, and transparent. So articulate. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken with
someone who can so accurately convey his or her thoughts and feelings
verbally. His word choice is
always superb. He never ceases to
impress me! And he can chill with
ANYONE, from Noble Prize winner to someone from Po Dunk, Mississippi. You don’t meet many people like
Philip. I love him to death and I
hate that we didn’t hang as much as we did the first year. He is
sticking around, so I’ll be sure to take a trip or two down to visit my
buddy. Love him and his infectious
swag! (Did I mention he’s a dancer
too!)
Ben Mackey- “We found love in a broken place.” Without Ben Mackey, I definitely would
have quit during the first year.
Although our love didn’t last during my stay in the Delta, his support,
love, and affirmation are irreplaceable.
God knew what he was doing when he sent Ben into my life. I am soooo grateful for our time
together. Even if only for a
season.
Laura Jones- My lovely roommate. We started out a bit rocky, but in the end we’ve both
learned so much from one another.
We recently embarked on a journey together (Go WAVES! :) ) and I’m grateful for
her support and encouragement throughout this process. I will miss Laura dearly. If only we’d gotten closer sooner. Oh well. Everything happens for a reason! Also, Laura is a phenomenally creative teacher and mentor to
her students. I hope this
experience in Mississippi doesn’t leave her too jaded. She would rock her f*cking socks off in
a better environment.
Charlie Preacher- What’s not to love about this lovable
guy? He’s gorgeous, funny, smart –
perfect right? Lol. Charlie has
brought so much sunshine and so many rainbows into my life. ;) Despite Charlie’s strong hatred for all
things Mississippi, he has never complained or griped. He did his job with a smile on his face-
each and every day. And he always
had a funny little jig to go with it too!
Strength I tell you. I’ve
never seen strength like Charlie’s strength.
Ben Guest- Without this guy I would be running around like a
chicken without a head. Most of us
in the Delta probably would.
Although Ben is a tough cookie to deal with at times, he’s always
keeping us in the loop about our MTC obligations. There was never a time I didn’t know about a deadline or
class schedule change or role play.
I appreciate that. Life can
get crazy during your first (and 2nd) year and Ben made sure to keep
us up-to-date. I’m sure we don’t
say it enough but THANK YOU BEN!!!
Mom- Duh. This goes without saying. I thank my mother for being the
shoulder I needed to cry on (literally) and for celebrating the great and
fulfilling days with me. She’s
listened to my endless teacher stories and continued to lift me as I pursue my
dreams. She’s always been 100%
supportive of whatever decision I made and I’m so grateful for that. Not everyone can say that about his or
her parents. My mom is
awesome. Period.
Orlando Hodges- Orlando was a 2nd year TFA’r at
my first school. We instantly
clicked and became super duper good friends, lol. Orlando was always there for me at school when I needed
someone to vent to or cry with. He
kept me sane and- in some cases, from losing my job. He was extremely supportive and helpful in my times of
need. He genuinely loved me for
me. Thinking back, I don’t think
I’ve ever met someone I felt like I’ve known my whole life. Our chemistry really is amazing. Unexplainable. Kindred. God knew what he was doing when he sent Mr. Hodges my
way. I love you! Buzz:Woody
My favorite students – These were the kids who kept me
going. The ones who always smiled
when they saw me in the hallway.
The ones who could read me as if they were my own. The ones who missed me when I was
absent. Called me when I was
sick. Texted me to make sure
everything was alright. The ones
who took up for me when the other bad asses talked shit. Like last year, this year it kills me
to leave my favorites in this broken place. I wish I had money like Oprah to whisk them away to a better
place. A better school. A better life. I will continue to keep in touch with
these few and I pray that when they get older, they’ll understand why I had to
leave. I love these kids
unconditionally! Thank you for
making my days worthwhile.
Various MTCers- Maya- Maya has a beautifully brilliant mind. She, like Philip, is so articulate and
easygoing. I wish we could have
hung a bit more during our stay in Mississippi. I loved that she questioned everything. Herself. The program.
Her purpose/impact here. I
did the same. Except she was able
to articulate the jumble of emotions in ways I never could. Thank you Maya for being the voice of
so many. Thank you for challenging
me to be a better teacher.
Thinker. Communicator. Woman. You are beautiful and I know you’ll do some incredible
things once you’re in a school where you’re truly valued for your array of
talents. ------Bill- Thank you for arranging the Delta dinners and being
unashamed to tell the Gospel. I
admire Bill and his strong faith in Jesus Christ. I often looked forward to his inspirational emails, IMs, or
blogs. He’s an incredible guy and he
has lifted me up more times than he can imagine. Keep fighting the good fight!------Ashley Johnson- Incredible. This chick is the next big thing in the
education world. WATCH OUT. Ashley thank you for being so
supportive, uplifting, cool, and helpful.
Her time in the Delta was invaluable to the Greenville folk and we are
so thankful for her. Ashley
genuinely wants to see people get better and advance, and she’ll go out of her
way to ensure that she’s being the resource and support you need. She’s definitely someone I will keep in
my circle.
TFA Family- I am grateful for the TFAers who so generously
shared their time and resources to help me become a more effective
teacher. In additional to that,
they provided other outlets like booze and parties. TFAers are definitely still in college mode, and the
uber-stressed alternate route teachers in the area usually appreciate that. TFA ROCKS! J
I’m sure there were people who have slipped my mind, but
charge it to my head and not my heart.
Like I mentioned before, I will forever be grateful for this experience
and each and every person who has played a role in it. GOD IS GOOD!
