What I Took From #ASBae2015

Going into this trip, I had no expectations.  All I knew was that I was so excited to travel to a major city I had never been before. Being in the city of Chicago was at the forefront of my mind rather than service, but shortly after arriving, I was quickly sucked into the atmosphere of the students and faculty of Muchin College Prep.

Muchin was unlike any school I had ever seen. When we walked in the first day,  it looked like we entered a nice hotel when in fact, the school was on the 7th floor of the high rise building.  The doors opened once we reached the floor and my mouth dropped.  Before my eyes was a modern looking academic town and I was amused at the fact that a charter school with a population of over 800 students could fit up there. Only in the city I guess.  In comparison to the high school I attended, Muchin was very strict, so strict at times that I thought the discipline may be a little over bearing. If that kind of no-nonsense attitude would've been implemented at my high school, it wouldn't have gone over too well with my classmates. What I loved so much about the Muchin students was that despite the strict nature of the school, they understood that it was good for them. After talking to several of the students I realized that the majority of them knew that the purpose of the rules and policies they was to teach them good work ethic and behavior and prepare them for graduation and carry values on to college. The majority of them also knew that their teachers got on their backs so much because they cared. The support and passion that I witnessed among the teaching staff really touched me because that's something my school lacked. All week I couldn't help, but think how much better public schools across the nation would be if their school adopted a similar structure and was filled with inspiring educators who the students wanted to impress and make proud.

Although I didn't apply for this trip wanting to be an educator and still don't desire to become one, this experience definitely confirmed how much I want to be involved with the youth as part of my career. The youth determine the outcome of the future and as they're navigating the highs and lows of life I want to serve as a mentor and motivator for them in hopes of being a voice of reassurance during their journey. My goal is to  reach as many as I can and help them all believe that they matter.

All and all I'm so thankful for this trip and that I got to spend an entire week with great people. Unforgettable time!