Major(s): Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Education Studies
Minor(s): Dance
What was the name of the organization you worked for over the summer?
Breakthrough Summerbridge
What did you work on?
I worked at Breakthrough Summerbridge (BTSB) as a returning Teaching Fellow (TF)! I wore many hats as a TF. My primary responsibility was teaching an academic class where I taught a six-week introductory geometry curriculum to the 9th grade class. My responsibilities included adapting the curriculum to best match my teaching style and fit my students’ needs, producing lesson plans, teaching two classes per day, and working with an Instructional Coach for support and professional development. I also assisted the SEL course, co-lead 8th grade club (think homeroom), chaired the Talent Show and Dance committee, and co-taught the dance elective.
What was a highlight of your experience?
A highlight of my experience was learning how to make a career sustainable. Despite being a returning Teaching Fellow, I struggled a lot in this area at the beginning of the summer and found myself not fully enjoying the experience. However, I was fortunate enough to find two mentors this summer who pushed me to explore creative ways to preserve my energy, find a work-life balance, and not be afraid to ask for help. This mentorship significantly improved my mental health and made me remember why I love teaching so much! The lessons I learned in this area are ones I will hold onto forever.
How did your summer experience impact you?
My summer experience helped me refine my career goals a tremendous amount! Though I always knew I wanted to teach, I was concerned about teacher burnout. While last summer I was learning more about the logistics of teaching, this summer I learned a great deal about work-life balance and specific strategies and resources I can use in the classroom. As a result of participating in Breakthrough Summerbridge for another summer, I feel more confident about my decision to pursue a career in education, and better equipped to do so. Additionally, I was able to travel across the country and explore the amazing city that is San Francisco and discover so much about myself and my needs. The summer grant greatly alleviated the financial burden associated with the experience, which allowed me to be able to focus more of my attention on the experience itself. I’m eternally grateful to the donors for their generosity and thank them for making experiences like this possible for Wesleyan students!
