Thursday, December 15, 2011

On joining MTC

Needless to say, there have been many times over the course of the past year and a half that I have thought to myself, "what have I gotten myself into?" I jokingly tell others that I envisioned moving to Mississippi, buying a truck and a boat, and enjoying small-town southern living to a soundtrack comprised of the Allman Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Obviously when I actually arrived, I found that the task awaiting me did not afford the aforementioned luxuries, and that a lot of me would be completely consumed by my work. The feelings of inadequacy, desperation, and frustration have been real in this place, maybe more real than any other time in life. Last year's fall was the hardest season I have ever lived through. I kept remembering, "at least no one is shooting at you", though at times it felt someone might try. All this said, I think I'm glad that I've taken part in MTC. It is hard to say for sure because an element of the MTC's satisfaction resides in its completion, but I know this is where I was called to be, and for all things at this moment seen, I think I know why.

Those who know me best would agree that I have always been excited about my academic institutions. I didn't study education, but quickly found that the educational world was one that fit me well. I knew that faculty experience would never be harmful to a career in education, so I began researching programs that would put me in the classroom. I didn't feel I was qualified to teach anything at that time, but knew that if I was admitted to an alternate-route program, it would be a good foot in the door. After doing some research, I remembered I had a friend who was an MTC alum from a few years before. After speaking with him, it seemed like MTC was a far better alternative to the most well known alternate-route program, Teach for America. So I applied, essentially putting all my chips in the MTC bag. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't apply for TFA as well, but the appeal of a free computer and master's degree while teaching in the exact same schools was a pretty compelling argument for MTC.

Now that I am 3/4 of the way done with the program, I can confidently say that if you are thinking of doing any kind of alternate-route program on the Mississippi Delta, MTC is the one to do. It will not be without heart and headache, as the problems of this land are so much greater than any one person (or even one town), and you have to know that you are coming down as damage control. That said, Mississippi is a wonderful and charming place in many ways, and MTC is a good conduit. It is the land that I now call home and will be until we are called elsewhere, and I'm grateful that MTC took a chance on me.

My second year has passed by much quicker. Though the students at the school are probably worse than last year, I've found that a year of experience adds a keel to even the most turbulent of days. I even find much more time to ride the dirt roads of the Delta and sneak in some Allman Brothers from time to time.