I came across this listing on the DTS job board and it caught my eye. As many of you know I am looking for what's next. I don't know but this is something I would definitely be interested in, if they accept me. It's called Teach for America.
Part of the application process is a letter of intent (which I have written just now). It's a little insight into something that is very important to me, namely, social justice and responsibility (though I ain't the perfect citizen). There were two questions limited to 500 words total.
Question 1: Why do you seek to join Teach For America?
I have been given a moral and social responsibility as a Christian to be a “giver” rather than a “taker.” Christ calls his followers to be faithful in all of life, and give of themselves without regard to for status. Christ had a special view to the “poor and least” and especially children, and I hope to mimic his lead. My intent is born from a compulsion to give in manner that provides hope and justice and life to anyone who finds him or herself within my sphere of influence. I have come to believe that satisfaction in life does not come from the “things” we collect or the “positions” we acquire, or even the “fame” we as humans achieve, but rather satisfaction and meaning develops when a person gives of himself or herself on behalf of another for the betterment of the other. Not only do I bear a sense of obligation to give of myself, but also I have also been given a driving passion to serve with special eye toward the less fortunate with regards to social, familial, and economical environments. Teachers have a unique environment where they act consistently as givers. Teachers influence, and I want to participate in that influence for the better of individuals and society in a way that demonstrates the selfless virtue of Christ.
Question 2: What would you hope to accomplish as a corps member?
With regards to students, as a corps member I would hope to bring a breath of fresh air to a polluted planet. I would hope to be a light in an often dark and insecure world. I would hope to become an individual of long influence where lives are forever impressed and thus changed for the betterment of the individual and ultimately humanity. I would hope to act in way that demonstrates a life of liberal selflessness and careful responsibility so that those who find themselves within my sphere of influence would turn and do the same when they are given the opportunity. I would hope to excite passion within students for learning so that they may discover the beauty of wisdom and knowledge and ultimately excel in their days to come. I would hope help educate students in order to break the unhealthy cycle of life that breads within a society where unstable families struggle through poverty maintain healthy and holistic socio-economic balances. With regards to my person, I would hope to develop awareness of the often-ignored needs of the socially and economically repressed. I would hope to develop a vision for life where virtue and justice meet compassion. I would hope to develop my ability as a teacher and role model. I would like to refine my teaching pedagogy and learn to relate to the students in a manner that balances the relationship of being a friend, mentor, and teacher. I would hope to learn about the hopes and dreams of my students and encourage them to follow them even through adversity and oppression. I would hope simply to give back my country and world.