Jeff for America

One year ago today I had just arrived home from my first official visit to Philadelphia as a soon-to-be teacher. I had come to Philly for the first round of weekend interviews through Teach for America. They flew a small group to the city and set us up with a few interviews at potential schools. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was a good feeling. It was the start of an adventure – a feeling I hope never goes away in life. Growing up, there was always something around the corner – something to look forward to, or at least some guarantee of change. From high school to college and then teaching. My next challenge lies just beyond a bend I can’t quite predict or foresee just yet. And that’s okay. I have, after all, just embarked on this journey here.

A year has gone by since that weekend. It was where I first met some of the friends I consider my saving grace and lifeline these days. I remember getting to the hotel and looking for people to connect with. My roommate was Edward – shy at first, sweet and like no one I had ever met. The mold of Mr. Rogers, Edward welcomed me to this new phase of my life with open arms. Then I met Rebecca – an outgoing woman with a lot to say and show for it. She talked to me like I was the ony person in the room, and her laugh was infectious. It was especially nice to hear someone laugh at all my jokes – a quality I require in a friend. Oh, and then there was Theresa. An ambitious looking lady from the mid-west who shot down all the sorority stereotypes I had developed over the years. She has proven to be a genuine friend with a sense of self that I admire. And she wears heels to school.

There are many others – Mallory, Ashley, Donnie and Joel among them – who came into my life just when I needed kind, caring people the most. I had just left the airport crying with my mom waving her goodbyes just as I was swept into security. It was natural to feel afraid by what was ahead. I had an arguably Utopian life in Berkeley before committing to teaching, and I was leaving it all behind in an effort to define myself as something other than “student.” Would it be worth it? I wasn’t so sure.

And just as I reflect on my first visit to Philadelphia, I find my dear friend Erika facing the same uncertain future. Erika had her first official soon-to-be teacher visit a few weeks ago. TFA flew her to the city for interviews, and she was (for all intensive purposes) not so sure about it. I couldn’t blame her, but I couldn’t just let it fester, either. In so many ways, I wanted to tell her “Go, Erika, go run away as fast as you can.” But I didn’t, mostly because I have no doubt that she will, like me, look back a year from now with more than just mere satisfaction. I am not satisfied with my year, or where I am in my life right now. I am beyond that. I have a job that I love and that has the potential to help people. I have met strangers who have become friends that I love and cherish. I have experienced life outside of being a student and I kind of like it. Most of all, I have found relief in finding that being grown-up doesn’t mean the good ol’ days are over. There are plenty to be had in adult-hood and, although not the same, can be just as fun.

I’ve also come to find that worrying about making the right choice should have nothing to do with regret. There really aren’t such things as true mistakes. As a good friend once told me, “you are exactly where you are supposed to be.” It’s a philosophy that makes sense to me these days. I’m here, and I couldn’t be happier about it. And Erika – I know you’ll feel the same soon. Get over here. Philadelphia is waiting. And so am I.

- Jeff