Final Post.

When I came to Mississippi eight weeks ago, I set a list of goals for myself:

1. Increase my awareness of the inequities that continue to plague the education system.

Through the series of speakers that have come to talk to us and the firsthand experience of spending time at Holly Springs High School, I feel like I’ve come to develop a greater depth of understanding of education in America. Before coming here, I didn’t know that there were still segregated communities in the United States and I didn’t understand the way in which large parts of America neglect the children that fall victim to this system.

2. Come to understand what's being done to combat these inequities.

Sadly, although not unexpectedly, I’ve found that not nearly enough is being done to attempt to change this. However, the work of programs like MTC and its enthusiastic participants has been refreshing. In the face of a challenge as daunting as the need to completely rework a system from the bottom up, the teachers of MTC must focus on improving education “one classroom at a time.” Progress has to begin somewhere.

3. Start to develop an idea of where I fit into this work. What responsibilities do I have in the future? How do I want to incorporate a commitment to these issues into my life?

Spending the summer in Mississippi has helped me to reaffirm my commitment to education. I’m not sure whether or not MTC is right for me, but I know that I will definitely pursue teaching in “critical needs” areas in the future. However, a commitment to these issues is not simply a career; it’s a way of relating to the world, a lifestyle. I plan to continue to integrate community engagement into my life, during my time at Amherst and beyond.

4. Gain insight into Southern culture. Work to identify and deconstruct stereotypes about the South.

Having never been to the South, this has been quite an experience. It’s strange; at times I feel like Mississippi is strikingly similar to Massachusetts, but most of the time it’s felt like another country entirely. At least that’s how I felt initially. In coming to understand the differences between Mississippi and Massachusetts, I’ve come to a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity of America. While I don’t claim to understand the South from living here for a mere eight weeks, I have tried to recognize it for what it truly is. Mississippi is land of contradictions, as we’ve heard again and again. There is horrible ugliness as well as magnificent beauty to be found here. One thing I can say for sure is that what I experienced here was certainly not what I was expecting.

It’s hard to say what I would change about the internship. Most of the speakers were really good. I enjoyed our work at the William Winter Institute (I felt like we were most productive here… I feel like I got a lot out of each part of the internship, but being able to actually create something made me feel useful, like I was doing something meaningful.). I don’t think we needed weekly project meetings (maybe bi-weekly?). It seemed like most of the time we didn’t have much to do at the summer school (although I guess it’s a positive thing that things generally went smoothly). It was interesting to observe different classes and role plays and to have time to work on our projects, but I wish we could have been more involved somehow (oftentimes I felt somewhat dispensable, but I’m not sure how to remedy this). I wasn’t a big fan of delicious or twitter (it felt like busywork), but I think the blogs were helpful. I really enjoyed researching and writing my syllabus (it made me start researching graduate schools and programs, and I think I want to pursue a doctorate program in education with a concentration in language and literacy).

My advice for future interns would be to try to keep an open mind. Recognize and then (attempt to) discard your biases. Bring to this experience no expectation other than that you will work hard and learn something new every day. Allow yourself to have honest and emotional reactions to what you’re experiencing. Let yourself feel enraged, depressed, helpless, and (hopefully) ultimately empowered. At times, you will feel overwhelmed. At times you might feel underwhelmed. You might find that you have a lot of “free time,” but really you don’t. Use this time to get things done—blog (even if you hate it, don’t dismiss this task—structured reflection is good), work on your project (if you have to do a project—make sure you pick something that you’re passionate about and make it your own). Stay on top of your “assignments.” There aren’t many of them, and there’s no reason to stress about them. Take advantage of your time down here. Eat the outrageously greasy food (if you’re a vegetarian, you’re going to have to get creative or eat bread for two months… And people are going to think that you’re weird. Carry food with you. There are literally restaurants with NO vegetarian (never mind vegan) options.). Spend time in the heat and humidity. Listen to the way people talk and what they do and don’t say. Watch the students. Examine how they relate to one another and their teachers. Read some Southern literature. Take time to explore campus and the surrounding area by yourself, at your own pace (make sure you allow plenty of time before sun sets). Take pictures. Drink lots and lots of water—take water with you everywhere. Be prepared for lots of big bugs (and the occasional lizard). BUY COCKROACH TRAPS. Buy bug spray so you don’t have to squash the cockroaches when the traps don’t work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Grow to appreciate the bus ride to Holly Springs—don’t sleep during it; enjoy the scenery. Study the history of Mississippi. Try to meet it on its own terms. Enjoy your time here. No matter how homesick you might get, your sixty days will fly by. Appreciate it while it lasts.