Grace Toohey, Trip Participant

Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited that it is almost time for this trip to begin, I have been looking forward to it for quite a while!

My name is Grace and I am a freshman student at the University of Maryland. I am planning on majoring in Journalism, but I am also currently searching for the perfect second major. I really enjoy writing and have written a few articles for the Diamondback, Maryland's student-run newspaper. I am very involved and invested in Best Buddies, an international volunteer movement that works to create one-to-one friendships and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am pretty unsure of my career path at this point, but hope to do something that can make a difference in this world.

This is my first Alternative Break, but I chose it because I think it will combine a lot of my interests and highlight my abilities. I really enjoy working with kids, I love the slower pace of the country, and I have recently learned a lot about the education system in the context of disability and delinquency. But more than that, I know it will be an eye opening experience for many reasons.

I have many hobbies and interests! I love playing sports and being active; I played basketball, soccer, and softball in high school and have enjoyed many intramural sports at Maryland. I love to go on hikes and spend time outdoors; my favorite vacation spot is my cousin's farm in rural Virginia. I enjoy reading, writing, sewing, country music, and playing games (can't wait for our late nights in the house!). But mostly I just love laughing with friends and family!

I can't wait to see KIPP's mission put into action and be a part of educating our next generation! Teaching is such a difficult job; I want to learn how to really reach the students and help them to realize their full potential. I think that rural education is a very important issue, one that look to support and enrich. See you all soon!