"Princess Machine"

Loved the message from this GoldieBlox commercial, considering fewer than 3 in 10 graduates in science, technology, engineering & mathematics are women (UPWORTHY). Food for thought.

Princess Machine

Motivation

My dad once told me he and his brothers had to work in the Texas fields picking cotton while growing up. He said the summers were hot & the work was hard. The grueling job for minimal pay made him realize something: he needed to get out of that small town, make something of himself, & create the life he wanted.

One degree in Mechanical Engineering & an MBA later, I think my dad can safely say he succeeded. We reside in the wonderful city of Southlake, Texas, where college is not only an option, but also expected. So, although I am a proud college graduate, I expected to receive a degree from a university four years after high school.

Photo taken by Daniel Silverman

A combination of hard work, motivation & luck propelled my dad towards his life today. His brothers and sister, on the other hand, continue to reside in that small town. My dad sought out education, and became an exception to an unfair "rule" - a rule alluding to the difficulties of achieving success in a low-income Latino neighborhood.

My education from Carroll ISD was phenomenal. My teachers prepared me for college, & my knowledge gained from high school led to many merit-based scholarship offers.

My cousins, on the other hand, have not been exposed to such great public education. Both lack of necessary school funds and distractions from gangs, drugs & teenage pregnancy have impacted their abilites in the classroom. Therefore, high school graduation is a feat in itself...& college graduation? BIG DEAL.

I am the first of my cousins from my dad's side to graduate from college. Although it might have been expected for me, it is still an achievement.

I hope this degree inspires my younger cousins that were able to watch me graduate. Although the odds are against them, they are smart & capable. Maybe seeing me graduate will show them that one day they can, too.

The beginning

"Our vision is that one day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education."

In 28 days I will officially begin my journey as a 2012 TFA Corps member within the DFW metroplex. In 4 days, I will be a college graduate...& at this moment, I am filled with excitement & nerves.

I've just finished my last college exam, and reality is sinking in. I am going to be an elementary school teacher in a bilingual classroom - but did I mention I've never taught a class? Right now, the image of 20 plus students calling me "Ms. Castro" is super intimidating - but it also puts a smile on my face.

In hopes of capturing the ups & downs, the challenges and life lessons learned, I've made this blog for not only friends & family, but also myself. I love documenting experiences - as I learned while studying abroad - & know that this new chapter in life will be equally as unique as the past ones.

Follow along as I discover life as a graduate, teacher, & TFA corps member...cheers to new beginnings!