This post is written by Doreen Peterson who recently completed the MAT@USC as part of the September ’09 cohort.
The “light at the end of the tunnel” is such a common phrase that people use when they are in the midst of chaos. I know I commonly used it while I was in the middle of completing assignments, analyzing journals, etc. Now that I am officially basking in “the light” I realize that the much anticipated feeling I was looking forward to became a bittersweet moment at the end. Although I am finally able to let my brain decompress and not feel guilty if I have to step away from the computer for a bit, I miss the interactions with my peers, professors and students. The technology we used provided us an opportunity to connect with other classmates in a way that other programs would not allow us to. We were also able to listen to real-life stories about what is actually going on in classrooms around the country. But now that things have slowed down, I can’t help but think, “Now what?”
I feel as if this knowledge that we have attained must be applied in practice. Before the program, I wouldn’t think twice about the dynamic that exists behind school gates. Now when I drive by schools and see the difference in how two within the same district are maintained, I can’t help but wonder, “What is going on in that school that does not show the same pride as another school two miles away?” The program has sparked my interest in what is going on in education nationwide. I have watched documentaries like The Lottery and Waiting for Superman, and I think something greater and bigger must change to improve a system that most of us are disappointed with.
But what can we do? Then I think of Michelle Rhee, former D.C. Public School Chancellor who was featured in Waiting for Superman, and her role in advocating for change and I am certain that we can do this too! We have been prepped for this, we are knowledgeable, we are nationwide, we can make change!
Whether it be locally, within our cities, at the state level or even as leaders in education nationwide, MAT@USC teachers will make a difference. USC is known to have extraordinary networking skills because, after all, we are members of the Trojan Family. This, my friends, is a great advantage to us; we already have the social capital to make the changes and improve something we all believe in and share. We can do this and we can do it together!
If you’d like to know about how to become a teacher and make a difference in your local community, contact our Admissions office at 888.MAT.1USC or email us at matadmit@usc.edu.
