Greehey Scholars Program St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas Spring 2012 Volume 2, Issue 2
Teaching the Youth of San Antonio By Lori Mayfield
Upon graduation, I will commit two years to Teach For America, a non-profit organization that works to eliminate educational inequity in America. The mission of Teach For America is that “One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.” Within this program, I will teach Special Education in a low income community in San Antonio. My passion for teaching stemmed from my volunteer experience with Junior Achievement in which I taught elementary aged students the basics of business and how business can make our communities better places to live in. I became involved with Junior Achievement through my individual service project in the Greehey Scholars Program. My time in the classroom helped
What Comes Next? By Sara Wilkinson
Sara Wilkinson at the fifth anniversary of Mr. Greehey’s transformational gift.
“What are you doing after graduation?” For everyone who has
me realize how important individualized attention and care is to each student who I taught; even further, I strongly believe that every student, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, deserves this individualized attention that characterizes an excellent education. Without the direction that the professors at St. Mary’s have provided, I may never have seen the opportunities available in management. I have come to realize that management extends much further than the business world. It became very important to me to use my management expertise to lead students in the classroom who need direction and who are unable to see the amazing potential that they possess. I am very excited to begin the next chapter of my life and cannot wait to commit the next two years to students who will benefit in some way from my guidance.
“It feels no less than amazing to know that
my four years at St. Mary’s and my time leading in the Greehey Scholars Program have propelled me to teach within Teach For America.” -Lori Mayfield
ever asked this question, you should know that it is hated and feared by college seniors, particularly in these uncertain economic times. This is why I am incredibly thankful that every time I’m asked, I can say that I have a job waiting for me in May. Last summer, I started an internship at Tesoro Corporation in the SEC Reporting department. Within a few months, I experienced the challenge and excitement of working with young co-workers in a fast-paced environment; I was expected to take initiative and be resourceful in developing my own learning curve. After discussions about my future plans with my
www.stmarytx.edu/greehey_scholars
supervisor, I was excited to extend my internship into the school year. Soon after, I signed an offer letter for a full-time position postgraduation. Despite the stress, the excitement of what is to come has us all itching for May. While I have loved my time here at St. Mary’s and grown undeniably in every aspect of who I am and who I am setting out to be, I feel a very strong pull towards the next step. It is a blessing to stand at this point in life, looking back at a period of hard work, struggle, and growth while looking forward to a glimpse of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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