Exploring and Developing Our Own Voices

Education has been, and continuous being, an essential part of my life; it is the reason why I am here today. When I first arrived to the United States, my family and I were impressed by the education system and everything it had to offer. However, as I grew older, I became exposed to the reality of an unjust and discriminating system that oppresses the voices of many marginalized communities, including mine. How was I supposed to meet my academic goals when I was not receiving the necessary resources or assistance in my own language? How was I supposed to react when my guidance counselor told me that my only option to receive a college education was by returning to my birth country? How was I supposed to attend college when the state where I grew up turned its back on me for being undocumented? How was I supposed to graduate from an education program when I was not even allowed to teach in the first place?

During each individual occasion, my only response was to fight back and challenge the system. Every time my world seemed to cave in, my family, friends, and community reminded me how to be strong and resilient. Along with them, some of my teachers and professors validated my presence in their classrooms by opening spaces to discuss issues that were affecting me and others. Through those spaces, I discovered my voice, worth, and power to create and demand change. These experiences placed me where I am today, reaffirming and fueling my desire to serve others through teaching.

Because I believe that no child should face the same obstacles I once faced, I decided to join Teach for America, TFA. TFA is an organization that focuses on providing quality education to students across the U.S. in high need schools. After joining TFA, I accepted a position at Samuels Elementary in Denver, Colorado. During my time here, one of my goals is to create a long-lasting impact on my students and community. I plan to achieve this goal by establishing a welcoming classroom environment that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusiveness, and seeks to empower each one of my students. Creating such space will allow students to develop their own voice to advocate for their own communities and to grow as learners beyond my classroom.

Empowering students to develop their own voices is one of my priorities, because I know how damaging it can be to not have one. My students need to be confident and equipped to speak up on their realities rather than having bystanders speak their truth. In order to do so, I will introduce students to quality children’s books that spark important conversations regarding issues revolving around racism and prejudice along with promoting resistance and activism. In addition, I will make sure they have the necessary resources to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

One of the biggest challenges students in high need schools encounter is the lack of access to necessary materials that are used daily. It is very difficult for students to take part in activities and classwork when they do not have the basic supplies to do so. In order to meet some of my students’ basic learning needs, I would like to provide these essential materials. I will use the funds that I raise to purchase the startup supplies needed to welcome my students into a clean, stocked full, and inclusive classroom. Thank you so much in advance for supporting me and my students at the beginning of my first year of teaching.

Your contribution will really make a difference and will greatly impact my students’ learning. Here is a complete list of the materials that your generous investment will help provide for the students of my very first classroom:

What I Will Purchase:

• 1 Box of Paper (5 Reams) - $25.00
• 2 Boxes of Pencils (288 Count) - $40.00
• Kleenex (18 Pack) - $36.00
• Anchor Chart Paper (2 Pack) - $30.00
• Scotch Thermal Laminator - $29.00
• Hand Sanitizer (Pack of 2) - $28.00
• 12 Quart Stackable Storage (6 Pack) - $26.00
• Paper Towels (12 Rolls) - $24.00
• 2 Packs of Dry Erase Markers (32 Count) - $22.00
• 2 Packs of Ball-Point Pens (48 Count) - $22.00
• 2 Packs of Grading Pens (24 Count) - $22.00
• Pack of Highlighters (50 Count) - $17.00
• 3 Packs of Erasers (36 Count) - $16.00
• Scotch Laminator Sheets (100 Pack) - $14.00
• 3x5 Index Cards (10 Packs) - $12.00
• 2 Packs of Sharpie Chart Markers (16 Count) - $12.00
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (3 Pack) - $10.00
• Swingline 3-Hole Punch - $10.00
• Post-it Notes (18 Pads) - $8.00
• Sharpie Permanent Marker (12 Count) - $7.00
• Paper Clips (450 Count) - $6.00
• Swingline Stapler - $6.00
• Binder Clips (30 Count) - $5.00
• Swingline Staples (5000 Count) - $3.00
• Used Books - $60.00
• Classroom Decorations - $30.00

Back Up Plan