“Every child should be given the same opportunities to succeed.”
-Blessing Uzoeshi
What is Teach For America?
Teach for America is a nonprofit working to eliminate the educational partisanship plaguing our country by mentoring leaders and growing them into educational change-makers. Teach for America believes every child deserves to achieve, regardless of circumstance. To advance this objective, new corps members are given opportunities to teach up to two years in local, under-resourced public schools where they can help students to succeed.
In 2006, TFA established a branch in Memphis TN. Fueled by the mission of Martin Luther King Jr, Teach for America Memphis is combating academic inequality by recruiting talented educators and introducing them to a professional environment where they can develop skills for change in a city of great potential. In the past month alone, TFA Memphis has gained 35 new educators, all eager to foster an even playing-field for Memphis schools. Over the next few weeks, CL is delighted to introduce some of these bright new recruits and allow a little insight into their individual aspirations.
Say Hello to Blessing Uzoeshi
Blessing heralds from Albany, NY, where she also completed her education at the University of Albany. Growing up, Blessing was inspired by the hard work and dedication of her teachers throughout her life and was inspired to do the work that they did to serve others. What better place than Teach for America? By joining TFA, Blessing is ready to make a difference in the classroom and continue the corps mission for student success.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
“Teachers are important. A good teacher is even better. I wanted to become a teacher because I was once a student. I saw how hard my teachers worked and how they wanted to make a difference not only in my education but everybody’s education in the classroom. I want to do the same. I had wonderful teachers growing up and I’ve always wanted a career that gives me the opportunity to help others. Being a teacher gives me that opportunity to help others, especially children. They’re so important.”
How has the Teach For America experience been beneficial so far?
“Teach for America has been beneficial so far because I’m getting to live the experience of being an educator. This is something that I’ve always wanted to make into a career. TFA is pointing me in the right direction. Plus, I’ve relocated to Memphis which is another benefit since I wanted to experience a new environment and learn about the culture in Memphis.”
Why did you choose to come to Memphis specifically?
“When I chose Memphis, I was looking for a change. I’ve been living in New York for most of my life and my major experiences have all taken place there. I want to explore new opportunities and see what Memphis has to offer. But most importantly, I want to make a difference in a child’s life through education.”
What places in Memphis do you recommend so far?
Blessing recommends the Stax Museum, a perfect place to explore Memphis culture. For scenic walks, she points to Shelby Farms Park!