Dia Uno

There were so many thoughts running through my head all day today. My day began at six a.m and as I am writing this post at almost 11 p.m, I am preparing for the long day ahead of me tomorrow. It genuinely baffles me how focused, polite, determined, and well-rounded all of the kids at KIPP Gaston are. I just spoke with one of my friends at home over the phone and as I was telling him about the strict discipline procedures implemented on the children, especially in the middle school and he was astonished; as am I even when I am merely explaining how the school is run. 

To think that these students spend 9 hours in school a day makes me regret how much I complained about six and a half hour school days when I was in middle and high school. And not even the long school days, but the hours some of the students travel in order to attend school seems absurd as well. Essentially these kids devote their entire weeks, Monday through Friday, to their education. It makes me wonder what their lives are like outside of KIPP and if the kids even do anything enjoyable, outside of school. 

I was very impressed with the teaching quality I observed across the board. The observations today really gave me a much higher appreciation for teachers and how much work they put into their jobs, especially the teachers at KIPP. It seems that all of the attention and motivation the teachers place on the students have the ability to truly shape them as people. I have never in my life seen so many mature, and well developed children and young adults, especially in a school setting. Coming from an arguably "rowdy" public schooling environment, it was a huge shock to me to see such a well behaved group of students. It is very interesting to compare and contrast schools and backgrounds.

I can not wait for the rest of this week and the experience we are all about to endure. More to come :)

- xoxo Ali Bee xoxo

It's only the beginning :)

Today was our first official day at GCP! After some brief observation, we got straight to it with completing tasks on our master list. I had the privilege of grading sixth grade math....which I thought would go rather smooth, until I found out the teacher forgot his key. Me and Grace spent literally two hours doing order of operations, percentages, adding fractions, etc. It's pretty impressive math for sixth graders, if you ask me. I also had the chance of tutoring a student in ninth grade algebra, and I found that to be very rewarding. As a Special Education major, today gave me a better idea of what I would be best at as an educator, which is working one-on-one with a student.

On top of working at Kipp, it is also great getting to know the other trip members. We bonded over fifth grade book reports and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. However, being introverted I often found myself being socially exhausted, but NO WORRIES--I am still having the time of my life. Tomorrow, Ali and I will be cooking spaghetti for dinner....get ready for taste of Little Italy.

Ciao...for now,

Idara <3

Anjuli Jain, Trip Participant

Hey everyone! 

I'm Anjuli and I am a junior studying Neurobiology and Physiology with a minor in Human Development. I am from Silver Spring, MD which is in Montgomery County. My dream is to become a pediatrician, so after I graduate I plan to attend Medical School. I love working with kids, as I am the oldest of 3 siblings, so I am really looking forward to our trip to Gaston tomorrow. 

I have briefly worked with kids during my trip to Honduras two summers ago through UMD's Global Medical Brigades program. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I was able to help set up a medical clinic in an underprivileged community and provide much needed medical assistance to those in need. I know this is a completely different trip with a completely different focus, but I hope to get the same thrill I got when helping those that needed it the most. I am really excited to getting to know all of you! See you soon :)

Correy Heesen, Trip Leader

Hi! 

I'm Correy Heesen and I'm currently a junior crim major from outside of Philadelphia. I'm also a public policy masters student here at the university of Maryland.

I am currently trying to decide what area I want to specialize in. But I am hoping to pursue non profit management.

Last year I went on the Dominican Republic spring break trip focusing on education, which definitely inspired me to participate this year as a trip leader for rural education.

I am a member of the alpha phi sorority and currently hold the position of new member education. I always liked to be involved with various clubs and activities that are based on philanthropic principles.

I love being active and going on adventurous hikes and exploring new places. I love puppies and anything fluffy!!!

Hello Terps! My name is Robby May and I will be your site coordinator while you are in Gaston over the next week. Both myself and the rest of our staff is VERY excited to have you on campus! As myself and the rest of the staff have enjoyed reading your bios online, I wanted to go ahead and post my short bio here too so you would know a little about me.Here ya go:

Robby May came to KIPP Gaston College Preparatory in 2009 to teach 7th Grade 20th Century History. Since 2010 he has taught 8th grade Political Science. Additionally he is the Founding AP US Government & Politics Teacher which he is currently piloting with an 8th grade class. He is also the founding director for both the middle school (AcoustiCats) and high school (Infusion) show choirs. Additionally, he serves as the Community Leader of Middle School Social Studies for the KIPP Foundation. Robby holds a Bachelors degree in Social Science Secondary Education from Frostburg State University and a Masters of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from Drexel University. He has been a lifetime Boy Scout, and is an Eagle Scout, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a summer Christian camp director. Robby has firsthand experience working in the government working as an intern for Governor Ehrlich of Maryland, paging in the Maryland General Assembly, and interning for President Obama at the White House.

Aditi Kalotra, Participant

Hey everyone!

I’m Aditi and I’m a senior neurobiology and physiology major with a minor in education and human development. I’m planning on taking a year off after I graduate before applying to medical school. My dream job is to become a pediatrician one day!

I am from Potomac, Maryland in Montgomery County and I’ve spent my entire life in the same area. I really look forward to this alternative break trip so that I can explore and learn about different issues that other parts of our country faces. Rural education has always sparked my interest. I have been tutoring for the past 7 years, starting in high school I tutored local middle schoolers in an after school program. In college I joined Terps for Change and I tutor high schoolers at Northwestern High School. Education reform is an issue that I believe very strongly in. I am hoping to help make a difference in the Gaston community and in the lives of the students at the KIPP School.

As far as hobbies go, I love football (huge redskins fan J), dance, listening to music, and baking. I also really enjoy traveling and doing adventurous things (next on my list is skydiving J).

I am really excited for this trip! Can’t wait to see you all soon!

Ya Zhou, trip participant

Hi everyone! My name is Ya and I'm a chronic procrastinator (hence the late blog entry). Apologies, but I hope to get to know everyone in the coming days! I'm a senior biochemistry major and currently applying to medical schools. My dream is to be a well-equipped, productive, and community-minded physician one day.

I went on my first AB trip as a freshman to Kentucky for rural poverty and went on to lead two trips to Atlanta and New Orleans the next two years. And now as a senior, I'm once again a participant! I also work as an intern for the AB office, so I can attest to the amount of work trip leaders like Chemia and Correy put into our AB trips :)

Outside of school, I enjoy baking (and sometimes cooking). I also am a huge fan of musicals (was really tempted to re-watch Les Mis) and British T.V. shows (Sherlock, Line of Duty in particular).

See you all tomorrow!!

Eating @ my favorite CP food stop