Meet Olivia Gonzalez, a Breakthrough Twin Cities Summer 2018 Teaching Fellow!
1. How did you become aware of Breakthrough, and why did you decide to get involved as a Teaching Fellow?
I first heard about Breakthrough from my cousin who taught at Breakthrough Birmingham and a good friend of mine from high school who taught at Breakthrough Houston. Their stories of being in the classroom for a summer and the impact it made on them intrigued me. I decided to get involved this past year as I shifted my career goals and started to consider teaching. I have always loved working with kids and believe that access to a good education is extremely important; I saw Breakthrough as a way to actively make an impact in an area I care deeply about.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job as a Teaching Fellow?
Being able to interact with the amazing students at BTC was my favorite part of being a Teaching Fellow. Throughout the summer, I watched my students learn, grow, and become more comfortable with being at Breakthrough. Their transformations were so beautiful, and although I was technically teaching them, I felt as though I learned so much as I watched them grow!
3. What advice or suggestions would you give for someone else who wants to get involved with Breakthrough or apply to be a Teaching Fellow?
Anyone ready to get involved with Breakthrough should be ready to have their life changed. This program is such an incredible catalyst for growth, both for the students and the Teaching Fellows. For people considering becoming a Teaching Fellow but not sure if education is for them, I recommend to just go for it and apply. I believe this experience is invaluable regardless of what career one may end up in.
