TFA Inductions

I'm writing this post from a creaky plastic mattress in an almost empty dorm room on the George Washington University campus. It's my home for the week as I live out of suitcases and try not to unpack too much! This is Teach For America inductions, and as one friend described it, it's Hansel and Gretel week: they're fattening us up and tricking us into enjoying Teach For America before they throw us in the oven next week at Institute!

Everything here is intense, but pleasantly so. Imagine a world where every kid was the "super kid" of their college: everyone here is young, brilliant, good looking, accomplished and funny. It's a world of J Crew suits and clicking high heels, interviews, brainstorms and debate. So far, Teach For America is a little intimidating, but it's also invigorating to be in such good company.

The days start early. After a Starbucks breakfast, we have to go to seminars, community panels, and q & a sessions. Topics like diversity, the achievement gap, or where to find an apartment are a few of the items on the menu. Each day promises a bag lunch to be gobbled before the next seminar. We've traveled to the Kennedy Center and National Geographic building, and listened to speakers ranging from the superintendent of Prince George's county to last year's corps members. Today, I'll hop the metro and get my first view of Prince George's County at a hiring fair.

It hasn't been all work though- there's been a lot of play. Everyone is eager to explore the nightlife and DC is a beautiful, young, very "walkable" city. They told us in one of our sessions that it's ranked as the 8th best city in the country to be single! We've gone out almost every night to a bar or two, and so far I've really enjoyed the few neighborhoods I've seen. But no form of socializing could prepare me for last night.

Teach For America is made possible in thanks to very generous donations and grants from companies and individuals. Obviously, these investors care deeply about education and want to see where their money is going. Last night, all of us were required to attend various dinners throughout the city with these sponsors. We were told they were thrilled to meet us, discuss our futures, and talk about education. My sponsor was a Vice President at Price Waterhouse Coopers. He lived in a mansion outside the city in Virginia. At his home, we were treated to hoers de oeuvres, drinks, and a phenomenal formal dinner. All the while, a live three-piece orchestra filled the room with music. We were able to enjoy his immaculate Victorian interior design, lively conversation, and the warmth of his family. They were self made people; delightful and genuine and so pleased to be a part of our movement. After a champagne toast and delicious miniature desserts, we packed up and fought the traffic back home to the district.

My head is in a bit of a whirlwind. It's hard to believe I've only been here 3 days. There's a lot to take in, intellectually and socially. But I know for sure that this will be the most grand "aventura" of my life.