Graduation is right around the corner! In three days, on Friday, May 13th, Eran, a member of the September 2009 Cohort, will walk at the graduation ceremony in Los Angeles, CA with about 350 other MAT@USC peers. He will also join on-campus Master of Arts in Teaching graduates as they walk across the stage and receive their diploma. We are so proud of Eran and all of our graduates! Fight on!
I started out looking at MAT programs, because I wanted to be in the classroom and make a difference for those kids that I felt were being misunderstood, underserved and overlooked. It is a mid-life career change for me. I finally gave in to the need to be a part of something greater, to make a difference. I knew when I made this decision I was leaving behind all the material things that you are told make you successful. We all know that teaching is an underpaid profession. My first stop was to make it a family decision. Their response of “finally” was what I needed to take the next step.
I looked at several programs, but I knew that I needed one that would allow me to continue to work and contribute to our household. I needed a program that had the technological capabilities of allowing me to be in the classroom – at my kitchen table. I needed a program that understood that this was not the traditional path. I wanted a program with name recognition. I also sought a program that was known for demanding excellence. I wanted to be part of the educational community. This all led me to the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.
It has been difficult and it has been rewarding. I have found the faculty both engaging and respectful. They are known in their respective academic fields and have a wealth of knowledge that they are eager to share with those interested in learning. My own abilities in writing and research improved dramatically and I learned the true value of time management. I can honestly say that I have walked into the classroom and felt like I have been given the tools to become a great teacher. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time. USC has given me the platform on which to stand so that I can become that person that makes the difference in the classroom.
I am so excited to be participating in the Rossier School of Education commencement ceremonies this year. I finally get to meet in person my fellow Graduates as well as the professors that I have formed a deep and meaningful life long relationship with. It is so exciting to be a member of this innovative program. My family will also be in attendance, and the 2,500 mile journey from Maryland is a dream come true for us all.
