Reflections

What went well?

                Plenty of things: living in the Residential College, meeting all of the teachers, traveling, having thoughtful discussions with the other interns, eating out with Ben, and exploring Oxford. Of particular note was the summer long interaction with Ben and the other interns. Our constant efforts to understand and articulate the concepts and influences which define education, race, and poverty fostered a level of thinking and critical reflection that only improved as the summer progressed.

What didn’t?

                Working in the office all day wasn’t always thrilling but as Ben has mentioned, that is the tuition we pay for everything else. In which case, I think we got the better end of the bargain.

What was the highlight?

I don’t know that there is one particular moment or event which stands out as a highlight because there were so many worthy of that distinction so I will say the speaker series as a whole. We met and learned from some incredible people this summer. Having the pleasure of hearing their stories and benefiting from their many talents and wisdom was truly special, something I’m sure we will never forget.

What did you learn?

               I don't know where to start. I learned about teaching: what needs to be done to improve our education system, how to recognize good teaching, why education is important, and why our education system is failing. I learned about race and poverty, how those two are fundamentally linked and their impact on education. I also learned a great deal about the South in general, Mississippi in particular. The South's history is as relevant as ever and provides the necessary context for today's reality. Last but not least, I learned about myself and what is important to me. 

How will this internship inform what you do?

                Most of all this internship will push me to think critically about what I see and hear. Also, after everything we did this summer, I have come to recognize that the problems which plague Mississippi, and the rest of the country, run so deep that even though one person cannot fix them, we cannot fix them without one person. By that I mean that inaction actively harms.

Who do you want to thank?

                There are a lot of people I would like to thank. Mrs. Hopkins for her never-ending kindness (her coffee made many a day easier), the teachers for answering all of my questions, Amherst for funding this internship, my Mom for letting me steal her car for the summer, MTC for allowing me to have this adventure, and everyone I sought advice from about my upcoming thesis. I would also like to thank our many speakers. There are too many to mention by name, but their generosity made this summer special and I will remember fondly our conversations. Most of all, I would like to thank the interns and Ben Guest. The interns for making this summer thoroughly enjoyable and teaching me so much. I would like to thank Ben most of all for giving me this opportunity, challenging my perceptions, showing me a part of this country too often ignored, and demonstrating that there is always more to learn.