Alumni Newsletter Archive ⬇
Read all the alumni features from the Kudos Chronicles, BTC’s alumni newsletter!
Do you know someone in our community who deserves some kudos?
Submit a story/update!
(You can submit your own too!)
September 2024
Tarrell, Teaching Fellow Alum, Summer 2024
Tarrell is a Business Administration and Sports Management student at Hartwick College. This Brooklyn native spent his summer as a Teaching Fellow at the Eastern Carver County (ECC) site. Although Tarrell doesn’t plan to become a teacher, he excelled in this role. He faced challenges, like submitting lesson plans on time, but overcame them with help from his Instructional Coach.
Tarrell especially enjoyed the community events. The “King of the Valley” competition showcased teamwork among colleges. The program’s last day was also memorable, featuring performances and social time.
At ECC, Tarrell discovered a sense of belonging and camaraderie. As he puts it, “One of my favorite things about ECC is that we were all able to fit well since day one and as each day went by, the relationship with one another got stronger and it became a family.” This experience highlights the importance of building connections with students, fellow Teaching Fellows, and staff.
Tarrell learned that incorporating shared interests, like movies or sports, into teaching can enhance student engagement and learning. His advice for future Teaching Fellows: “Be yourself and connect with the students. You’ll soon feel at ease in your role. The same applies to your colleagues – strong connections lead to a family-like atmosphere.”
Reflecting on his summer at ECC, Tarrell sees it as a journey of personal growth, community building, and educational insights. His experience demonstrates the benefits of embracing new opportunities outside one’s comfort zone.