San Jose Fellows Experience Rain

When rain drops drip on San Jose

fellows stare and start to say,

“Have they never seen the rain?

It looks like they are feeling pain.”

Will they live to see the day?

Versace soaked down to the core

“When will it end?” they implore.

Rain jackets on, well prepared.
Their eyes are wide!  They're really scared!

The rain has yet to really pour.

Across the street, they dash all-out.

Barely wet, they scream and shout,

“Bunker down! The world has ended!”

The humid shower was not intended.

Really though, they barely pout.

Once at home, they laughed with glee;

took out a phone for wet selfie.

Their silhouettes stood out stark—

#WeAlmostHadToBuildAnArk.

Another night at Yale University.

Yale, how did I get here?

Yale, such prestigious sound and experience that I often find myself wondering how I ever got here.  Why was I one of the chosen few to receive this opportunity? It’s not something I sought out for myself.  Rather, I kind of stumbled upon the whole situation.

It was another sun-filled day in San Jose when one of my colleagues approached me wondering if I would join him in an adventure to Yale.  Was this some nearby off-shoot city that I'd never heard of?  No, he said, his eyes in a sparkle, “Yale University.”

I’d never considered studying at Yale.  I had recently been wondering if and when I should go back to graduate school.  I was halfway through my third year teaching ELA in the middle school.  The educational community was slowly putting pressure on me to get a Master’s degree, which would be nice, but expensive.  

Yet, even though I quite enjoyed the idea of furthering my education, I imagined adding the cost of grad school to my already substantial mound of student loans.  Was there a way to further my education and still keep costs down?  Perhaps this sincere desire in the face of financial adversity was all the universe required to propel my life forward.

I quickly agreed to apply for YNI with my colleague.  Writing my application, excitement built, fueling my mind and spurring thoughts into heightened realms of sensational education.  Soon, though, my colleague backed out from the application process.  He told me the timing was off.  He needed to be there for his kids.  He just finished grad school.  

I was only slightly disheartened.  I was already determined to move forward with my career.  No one could sway me otherwise.  Again, I understood the importance of furthering my education. What better way than a free trip and professional development at the prestigious university of Yale?  

After all was set in motion, I received feedback on my application.  I was accepted at a local and then a national level! The feeling was exhilarating.  My family, principal, and district were proud.  My colleague was a bit glum with regret.  

I felt in my heart that this was a move in the right direction.  So, here I sit, at Yale, typing away in the heart of the dream.  Let me tell you, it feels good.

Intensive Session: Day 1

June 6, 2015

I arrived at Yale in the early evening.  The travel coordinator was supremely helpful in arranging my flight and pick up from the airport.  This time, I traveled from Chicago, O’hare to Hartford, CT; a much shorter flight compared to my last.  

Getting dropped off right in front of my dorm, the new dorm, I found my San Jose group gathering outside and preparing to walk to dinner.  They told me they would wait for me, so I quickly grabbed my room key, unloaded my bags on my bed, and continued my journey into the heart of Yale. 

Dinner was set in a long dining hall.  Even though it was buffet style, I still felt like I was meandering a scene from Harry Potter’s banquet room.  There was a healthy array of options, ranging from sandwiches, to pork, to incredible bacon infused noodles.  I sat down with my group as people continued to arrive from all parts of the country.  Most looked like worn travelers, but all had a fire and excitement in their eyes that foreshadowed the academic vigor in weeks to come.

After our meal, I went back to my room to unpack and finish some readings for tomorrow’s seminar.  My seminar leader found me as I was walking back and asked if I wanted to join her and a few others to watch the woman’s world cup final at a local pub.  I decided that might be fun and joined them after setting up my room.  

The bar was crowded with good ol’ fashion Americans rooting for their team and having a good time.  We didn’t stay long.  After the game was over, we walked back to the dorm down lamp lit paths and reassuring alleys.  The group showed me around a bit, but I was mostly exhausted.  So when I got back to my room, I turned out the lights and fell asleep.  

It was a good day.  Arriving back at Yale begot an air of intrigue that feels refreshing and invigorating.  I am excited for these next few weeks.  Although the work will be rigorous, I feel that I’ll find great value and fulfillment in my time here.