Induction... Check.

Hello, all! Post #2 in what I hope to be a long string of posts that track my journey here in Philadelphia. Today is transition day between Induction and Institute. Induction was a week that just the Philadelphia/Camden region spent together at UPenn. "Institute" refers to this next month in which all of us Corps Members will participate in high intensity training for teaching. Pardon the naivete, but I honestly feel like Institute might be something like boot camp. They break us down and then recast us... in this case, they recast us into crazy committed teachers that propel their students to achieve 2-3 years of learning growth in the span of one year. I like a challenge, though. And in this case, I have this extremely motivating reason to succeed-- students that need me. Despite all of the doubts and complaints and homesickness some of you might have heard from me this week, I am mostly really grateful to be part of Teach for America's work.



In one of (too) many ice breakers this week at Induction we were asked to choose three words to describe our experience so far. I chose social, band-aids, and enlightening. (Side note: another ice breaker was one of those desert island ones. Specifically-- what one condiment would you bring? Info on the Yankee crazies: none of them said ketchup! I prefer to think of that question as more objective than subjective. Correct answer: Heinz 57)

Social: I honestly didn't think I had it in me.... that is, the ability to make mindless conversation 180 times over. It was mostly unavoidable. Every hour of every day that we were not in a meeting was spent walking to meetings, eating, or mixing at some predetermined social opportunity out in the city. That is a round-a-bout way of saying that I had no time alone. Translation: Katie felt strung out.


Band-Aids: As it turns out, good shoes are worth the investment. Wearing dress shoes 12 hours a day wears and tears on my no-longer-so-delicate feetsies.


Enlightening: I learned a whole lot about Teach for America (hereafter, TFA). To name a few: where their money comes from, history in Philly, and their philosophy of education. I feel a good bit on board with what they are about. Though I wonder if that will change? I will keep you updated.

I also saw the light in regards to the kind of schedule I will be keeping this summer and beyond. Hence the boot camp comparison above. 5:00 wake up calls are for the birds.

Whoever is reading this: I guarantee that I miss you. The past 24 hours, however, have seen some alleviation in the homesick department. Thanks to some prayer and a little bit o' gumption. Turns out transitioning is really hard; especially when you leave the A-team behind. But God is faithful. Amen? Amen.

Freshness

Today is my first blog post. I opted for a blog over the mass email option. Somewhere out there are internet users that care for updates on my small, albeit full, life. This is for them. It's prettier than a mass email, don't you think?

Tomorrow morning at 6:10 a.m. I leave for Philadelphia to begin my newest stage of life. All things will be new.

New job. No more waitressing at Russo's Restaurant. I hit my threshold for toting gumbo at about month five. Three weeks after quitting I am now feeling the burden of no paycheck. That's alright, though. Soon I will begin my lucrative teaching career and do away with all financial stress.

New culture. It is time to venture north of the Mason-Dixon Line. I will keep you updated on the Yankee-crazies.

New climate. Just the other day I was discussing my favorite season with a friend. "I love the fall... the colors, school supplies. But I love the spring, too, with dresses and new life. And summer! the beach! grilling out! watermelon! I guess the only season that I really don't like at all is winter." Ahem. red flag. Oh, well, this whole move is one big fat experiment. The weather could be my biggest hurdle.

The classroom might be a challenge, too.