Already halfway through the 2nd year as a Teach for America corps member, and so much uncertainty seems to be hanging in the air. Current options for next year:
1) Rally the strength/courage/perseverance/balls for a 3rd year at UP BRZ
-- pros: kinda know what I'm doing already, kids are sometimes tolerable/awesome/hilarious, salary increase, increased respect from administration, incoming students will be less insane (hopefully), new building, Chicago is awesome, thinking on my feet skills
-- cons: increased chance of burnout, less TFA friends to depend on, continuing to deal with admin and the general craziness that is working at my school
2) Completely different life path: Masters of Architecture programs
-- pros: could potentially stay in Chicago, pursuing something relevant to my interests, learning to draw
-- cons: might have to move out of Chicago, costly, don't know how my application will stack up to others, actually having to complete applications/portfolios/personal statements, not sure if this is exactly what I want to do with my life or exactly how committed I am to following this life path, complete change of direction could be difficult transition
3) Teach at a different school in Chicago or elsewhere
-- pros: potentially less frustrating job all around, fresh start with new students, could potentially stay in Chicago, could lead to future opportunities with TFA
-- cons: leaving my students (while this may be the only con, it holds quite a bit of weight in this decision)
Needless to say I've got a decision on my hands.
1) Rally the strength/courage/perseverance/balls for a 3rd year at UP BRZ
-- pros: kinda know what I'm doing already, kids are sometimes tolerable/awesome/hilarious, salary increase, increased respect from administration, incoming students will be less insane (hopefully), new building, Chicago is awesome, thinking on my feet skills
-- cons: increased chance of burnout, less TFA friends to depend on, continuing to deal with admin and the general craziness that is working at my school
2) Completely different life path: Masters of Architecture programs
-- pros: could potentially stay in Chicago, pursuing something relevant to my interests, learning to draw
-- cons: might have to move out of Chicago, costly, don't know how my application will stack up to others, actually having to complete applications/portfolios/personal statements, not sure if this is exactly what I want to do with my life or exactly how committed I am to following this life path, complete change of direction could be difficult transition
3) Teach at a different school in Chicago or elsewhere
-- pros: potentially less frustrating job all around, fresh start with new students, could potentially stay in Chicago, could lead to future opportunities with TFA
-- cons: leaving my students (while this may be the only con, it holds quite a bit of weight in this decision)
Needless to say I've got a decision on my hands.
