A Passion For Education Without Borders
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Limited Resource Teacher Training - July 1-25th Bangalore, India
Life has a funny way of working out. In 2017, when I graduated college, I felt that Houston, Texas was calling my name, so I went. Fast forward to November of 2018, where my mental health issues started to surface and I felt home calling my name. My brother and I did a 30-hour road trip from Houston, TX to Hartford, CT. As soon as I arrived, I started going to therapy and realized that I needed to listen to myself. I rediscovered my passions which included learning about systematic change in order to improve my community, a passion for education, and a passion for brightening the lives of the children I work with in my golf lessons and when I substitute as a teacher.
Ever since the age of 15 I have coached junior golfers through The First Tee of Connecticut, I have taught them the values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Values that have echoed throughout my life journey. This past February I took my first substitute teacher assignment where I led a class of kindergarteners. The next day I completely left my comfort zone and spent a month as a temporary special education teacher at a high school in New Britain, Connecticut. New Britain is one of the biggest public schools in the state of Connecticut and the month there would set a path for the next step in my career. I love all students but especially love those students that are enrolled in special education services. I feel a connection to them and these students are usually enrolled in these programs due to intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional disturbances. These students (names changed due to privacy) Lexi, Trev, Nathan, Danny, and Robert inspired me to become a Special Education teacher and I am now in the middle of a Masters Program to become a Special Education teacher. In one short month they made me laugh and cry at the same damn time. Just writing this is making me tear up as I remember them and also because it reminds me of the tough cards that life has dealt them. Abuse, neglect, drugs, and family hardships that no child should endure has impacted each of them. These students are my why, and why I believe that all children, no matter their race, social economic status, or behavior should be given a valuable enriching education.
This is what led me to Limited Resource Teacher Training (LRTT). LRTT was founded by teachers and is a social enterprise program that energizes teaching communities across the world. It all began in 2011 with just five passionate teachers facilitating and leading workshops for 26 Ugandan teachers. Today they support 15 local organizations across 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. I applied to LRTT because their passions align perfectly with mine. Through LRTT I will be able to create systematic change and in turn will become a better person and educator because of it.
I have been lucky enough to be granted one of LRTT’s fellowships to Bangalore, India. Throughout my fellowship experience I will be provided training and support to help deliver better education to teachers and children in Bangalore. I turn 25 next month and no matter my age I will never leave behind my curiosity for learning and exploring!
This has led into my next adventure that will begin in India on July 1, 2020. When I arrive in Bangalore, I will be working with a school of all grade levels and partnering with Mantra4Change. Before I arrive, I will be receiving training on how to collaborate with the teachers in India on engaging students, creating growth mindsets, and inspiring more learning. I will take part in a global teacher movement where I will use what I have learned to help these teachers in India provide a valuable, enriching, and equitable education.
I am excited for this opportunity as I am certain it is part of my next WHY. I cannot wait to bring positive energies and valuable professional development to educators in India. I cannot wait to inspire more students and let them know that they can grow into inspiring people despite any obstacles they may face.
If I made it this far, I hope my story resonates with you and you would consider donating to help fund my fellowship. Before donating, I urge you to take a deep breath and remember your why? Due to life’s hustle and bustle we sometimes forget our why. When we forget our why we start to do things just for the money, or just for the routine. Please, take time to remember your why and when you can feel free to donate on the link below and comment your why!
Life has a funny way of working out. In 2017, when I graduated college, I felt that Houston, Texas was calling my name, so I went. Fast forward to November of 2018, where my mental health issues started to surface and I felt home calling my name. My brother and I did a 30-hour road trip from Houston, TX to Hartford, CT. As soon as I arrived, I started going to therapy and realized that I needed to listen to myself. I rediscovered my passions which included learning about systematic change in order to improve my community, a passion for education, and a passion for brightening the lives of the children I work with in my golf lessons and when I substitute as a teacher.
Ever since the age of 15 I have coached junior golfers through The First Tee of Connecticut, I have taught them the values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Values that have echoed throughout my life journey. This past February I took my first substitute teacher assignment where I led a class of kindergarteners. The next day I completely left my comfort zone and spent a month as a temporary special education teacher at a high school in New Britain, Connecticut. New Britain is one of the biggest public schools in the state of Connecticut and the month there would set a path for the next step in my career. I love all students but especially love those students that are enrolled in special education services. I feel a connection to them and these students are usually enrolled in these programs due to intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional disturbances. These students (names changed due to privacy) Lexi, Trev, Nathan, Danny, and Robert inspired me to become a Special Education teacher and I am now in the middle of a Masters Program to become a Special Education teacher. In one short month they made me laugh and cry at the same damn time. Just writing this is making me tear up as I remember them and also because it reminds me of the tough cards that life has dealt them. Abuse, neglect, drugs, and family hardships that no child should endure has impacted each of them. These students are my why, and why I believe that all children, no matter their race, social economic status, or behavior should be given a valuable enriching education.
This is what led me to Limited Resource Teacher Training (LRTT). LRTT was founded by teachers and is a social enterprise program that energizes teaching communities across the world. It all began in 2011 with just five passionate teachers facilitating and leading workshops for 26 Ugandan teachers. Today they support 15 local organizations across 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. I applied to LRTT because their passions align perfectly with mine. Through LRTT I will be able to create systematic change and in turn will become a better person and educator because of it.
I have been lucky enough to be granted one of LRTT’s fellowships to Bangalore, India. Throughout my fellowship experience I will be provided training and support to help deliver better education to teachers and children in Bangalore. I turn 25 next month and no matter my age I will never leave behind my curiosity for learning and exploring!
This has led into my next adventure that will begin in India on July 1, 2020. When I arrive in Bangalore, I will be working with a school of all grade levels and partnering with Mantra4Change. Before I arrive, I will be receiving training on how to collaborate with the teachers in India on engaging students, creating growth mindsets, and inspiring more learning. I will take part in a global teacher movement where I will use what I have learned to help these teachers in India provide a valuable, enriching, and equitable education.
I am excited for this opportunity as I am certain it is part of my next WHY. I cannot wait to bring positive energies and valuable professional development to educators in India. I cannot wait to inspire more students and let them know that they can grow into inspiring people despite any obstacles they may face.
If I made it this far, I hope my story resonates with you and you would consider donating to help fund my fellowship. Before donating, I urge you to take a deep breath and remember your why? Due to life’s hustle and bustle we sometimes forget our why. When we forget our why we start to do things just for the money, or just for the routine. Please, take time to remember your why and when you can feel free to donate on the link below and comment your why!
Organizer
Sadie Martinez Clavijo
Organizer
Hartford, CT
