Tessa Wiles - "I Love Working in a School"

It’s almost the end of the school year here and things are cah-razy. With graduation approaching and endless chatter in the hallways of students’ plans for what’s next, the fact that my year of service is ending feels even more real. 

​A project I feel is worth highlighting is our “Senior Portfolios,” which was held last week. With two English teachers and the college advisor, I helped organize this event where students were required to “sell” themselves to a panel and convince them that they are ready for to move on from high school.  

This was a requirement for graduation and a very intensive project. Students had to make a website, resume, cover letter, and presentation—they even had to dress up! (One student ripped off his velcro tie before he even got out the door lol.) 

The panel students presented to was made up of community member and business owners. After their presentation, students were subject to a mock interview process where the panel could ask whatever they wanted. This was beneficial to the students as it gave them interview practice, especially since many plan on entering the workforce immediately after high school. Also, I tried to get panel members from local businesses where student might actually find themselves applying. It gave me great joy to see a few student were offered business cards from potential employers—maybe this practice will lead to a real opportunity for our students at CC-C!

On a similar note, tonight is honors night at CC-C, which is the culmination of the academic year. Over the past few months, there has been a student on the Leadership Team who has shown a true commitment to service and sustainability. In the past year she has written a student grant of behalf of the school, spearheaded the recycling program, and taken a leadership role in several service projects. After speaking with our principal, I have been able to create an “Excellence in Service” award to honor her with tonight. Hopefully this award will continue be given to a student who shows promise in service long after I’m gone! 

Before I go, let me share some of my favorite quotes from the past few months:

*Student on phone with parent* 
“I need you to bring me new pants—mine ripped right down the middle. Make sure you bring some stretchy ones this time”

“Hey Connor is that your girlfriend?”
“Obviously.”
*4th graders*

“Still got that dead pig I can have?”

“What’s in your coat?”
“Duct tape and cardboard?”

“The wallaby is just a miniature kangaroo. They're the same animal.”

"I like your outfit!”
"Thanks! The hot girl at Aeropostale picked it out for me so I felt like I had to buy it.”

“I’m so neutral I’m New Zealand—I don’t even care”

“Someone needs to get down to the second floor; the jazz band kids are skipping class and making out again.”

…I love working in a school!

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