Well...It's official! Yesterday, I accepted my offer to Teach for America in Jacksonville for the next two years. This was -- without a doubt -- the scariest decision I've ever made. Throughout the past few weeks I recounted each major decision I've made in my life. None of them compared. I have just committed to step out my comfort zone and away from my field of study to teach children in low-income schools and help bridge the achievement gap -- a situation that I never imagined until seven months ago.
As I spent close to four months at home in Orlando this summer working part-time and interning with a public relations agency, I considered what I would do after graduation in April. I read an account of one of my sorority sisters who was a Teach for America corps member in Atlanta, and I became so intrigued about her life and the mission of TFA. I read their Web site and my heart melted immediately. I quickly realized this could be a calling beyond my wildest imagination!
Throughout the TFA interview process, my feelings ranged from anticipation and excitement to uncertainty and inadequacy. In the end, I have no doubt that the Lord has called me to give myself to students in Jacksonville for the next two years. I know that it will be a challenge. I know that at times I will feel completely incapable. I know that I will face disappointment and failure. Yet, I know that beyond these momentary hardships, I will make a difference in the lives of children who need to be reassured that they matter and that education is a vital part of productive citizenship and a fulfilling life.
As a lover of writing and communication, this blog will be my outlet and my way to reach the people I care about the most. I want each of you to know about the new adventures in my life. And, selfishly, I want you to how to pray for me specifically during this time.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:31-34 (The Message)
