A 2005 graduate of Pepperdine University, Alyssa Rosenbaum taught mathematics in the 2004 Summer Session and currently teaches middle school in New York City.

My most significant achievement during college may not seem significant to some, but to an eighth grade boy and me it was.  Last summer I taught math at Summerbridge, a part of the Breakthrough Collaborative. During the first week of the program, Nick confessed that he did not like math because he was not good at it.  I said that was ok and we would work on our math skills to make math less scary.

Nick paid careful attention and I did my best to make class engaging.  I knew that all my students were not on the same level so I repeatedly told them that I would be more than happy to give them one-on-one assistance.  I was delighted when Nick approached me during the second week of the program and asked me to help him during lunch.  When I worked individually with Nick, I realized that he is a sharp student and knew how to solve the problems.  He simply did not have the confidence to attack problems and try to solve them.  I gave him a few pointers and a good dose of encouragement. He thanked me sincerely each and every time I worked with him. 

Throughout the six-week program I saw Nick continue to improve on his homework and quizzes.  I fondly recall him walking into class one morning about half way through the program declaring that he now liked math.  His enthusiasm was contagious and I could not have been more pleased to hear that he had gained confidence in his math skills. 

At the end of the program, Summerbridge students and faculty celebrated what was learned that summer. In front of family and friends, teachers made a presentation to the graduating eighth-graders.  I said a few words about how much I enjoyed having Nick in my class.  As I stood on stage telling the audience about Nick’s determination to improve in math and his continual enthusiasm in class, I saw tears starting to brim in his eyes. He walked up to the stage to receive his graduation gift with tears gliding down his face.  Without saying a word he gave me a warm hug.  After the program was over, he gave me another tearful hug and said thank you. 

Nick alone made all my hours pouring over lesson plans worth every minute.  Although Nick is only one child and I simply helped him to realize his own abilities, my interaction with him for those six weeks has been my most significant achievement in college.  My impact on his self-esteem and excitement for learning has fueled my passion to become a teacher.  Nick showed me that teaching is much greater than filling students’ minds with knowledge.  With Nick as my inspiration, I discovered that teaching is about filling students’ souls with excitement for learning and a belief in their own potential for excellence.  Touching at least one student’s life made my summer worth-while.  I look forward to a life full of touching many more.