@twogirls: William Cobbett, a former English journalist, once said: “You never know what you can do until you try.” I still remember all those days back in high school when my math teacher would repeat this quote every day before class.
If PC is something that interests you and you think you can handle it… go for it! I just think it’s important to do it for the right reasons ( not saying you aren’t).
@lookingforward: Unfortunately, I have a degree in psychology, which isn’t worthy when all you want to do is to teach math. I am from NY and you’re 100% right. However, I don’t feel comfortable joining those programs. I’ve heard mixed opinions about them (e.g., lazy teachers, lack of resources, uninterested classmates). Also, some of these programs are not even accredited internationally and I have plans to work abroad.
I need to go to a program like Harvard’s Teacher Fellows or Columbia Teachers College, two programs that prepare you to overcome challenges in urban schools and have small cohort classes for adequate individual attention. I also love the fact that these programs allow students to have personal mentorship and focus highly on social justice. You also get a chance to join an alumni network upon graduation. I mean, these programs are just perfect.
My dream is to continue what my grandpa did many years ago. He founded a school in South America and served many disadvantaged students by offering a high-quality American education. As you may know, education down there isn’t that great so he wanted to change that reality. When I said “I need the help of the best school,” I didn’t mean to sound superficial. What I meant by that was that I need to go to a school that would challenge my limits, that would get me out of my comfort zone, that would make me work super hard, but above all, a school community that would support me.
@twogirls: I understand your point, though. I have a friend who went on a mission trip for two weeks in Nicaragua, and she couldn’t stand staying a bit longer. She talked about taking bucket showers in the backyard, seeing tarantulas all over the place, mosquitos, annoying humid weather, not running hot water, feeling homesick… I mean, it’d be quite an adventure for those of us living in different conditions.
OP, now that grad school bit makes better sense.
When the time comes to consider PC, you can check the blogs of kids who went and found it fulfilling. Mission trips often aren’t at all comfortable. But they’ll vet candidates for their sense of purpose and hardiness. Not all countries are mosquito ridden in all seasons.