RE Log Spring 2022

SPRING 2022 Ransom Everglades LOG 25 else we needed to know. But there is only so much that can be learned without experience; I really started learning on my first day of class. I stood in front of 15 fifth graders chatting among themselves, cleared my throat, and immediately all eyes were on me. The first thing I remember thinking was, “Where’s the adult?”! Of course, I quickly remembered I was the adult and moved right along into my lesson, but I’ll never forget that initial moment of alarm. Breakthrough was my first experience on the other side of the desk, and it was certainly difficult to make that transition from student to teacher. One of the biggest challenges I had as a Teaching Fellow was lesson planning. I taught fifth-grade science and, while every subject gets an established curriculum, I was responsible for deciding how to teach the material in an engaging way. I did a lot of research to make my lesson plans each week and, eventually, just like everyone else, I found my groove. One challenge that I did not anticipate, however, was connecting with my students. Standing in front of my class on the first day, I immediately understood that my biggest challenge of the summer was not actually going to be lesson planning or teaching; it was going to be finding a way to earn the acceptance of the 50 10-year-olds I taught. What I found, though, through much trial and error, is that students are drawn to authenticity. The way to gain their respect is not by putting on the persona of a teacher; it is by simply being yourself. Breakthrough Miami is a community that is authentic to its core. Scholars, volunteers, Teaching Fellows and staff alike are encouraged to be their unique selves, and that is what ultimately makes the program so special. I am graduating this spring, so I will be saying goodbye to a long and meaningful experience as a Breakthrough volunteer. My hope is that this program will continue to thrive and make a difference for local children in years to come. Breakthrough has been changing lives for the past 30 years, and I hope it will continue to do the same for many more! BreakthroughMiami