My first year working for All-In!, while also in the LMU Credential program, has been a myriad of adjectives. I could write an entire entry with description words alone and I would barely scratch the surface. The best way to summarize it would be, as one of my professors so eloquently put it, learning to fly a plane while building it at the same time. As most people know, working within the Seneca world is euphoric exhaustion. My first years as a mental health counselor, however, pale in comparison to my first year as a Special Education Teacher. Not to say that working directly with mental health is easy; I have the scars to prove the toll it takes. However, appropriate and desired behaviors were much easier to identify. I didn’t realize how much information there is in the world to learn as a young person. We, as teachers, are expected to provide a majority of that information. It’s mind blowing!
That being said, working with Seneca and LMU has been an incredible way to get my footing in this new world. When I first began my classes, I was worried my professors and I would not be able to connect because of my unique experience working for Seneca. Imagine that relief when I realized the professors had partnered with Seneca before and some had worked for Seneca themselves. Of course, I cannot go without mentioning the amazing professors and teachers from Teach For America who has been a crucial part of shaping my own teaching philosophy. It’s a beautiful community that we share. It has not been a crystal staircase, but thanks to the people around me, I’m still motivated to make the climb.
I have always admired the mental health work that Seneca does. I’m hopeful and excited to see the direction that the agency takes regarding special education.
That being said, working with Seneca and LMU has been an incredible way to get my footing in this new world. When I first began my classes, I was worried my professors and I would not be able to connect because of my unique experience working for Seneca. Imagine that relief when I realized the professors had partnered with Seneca before and some had worked for Seneca themselves. Of course, I cannot go without mentioning the amazing professors and teachers from Teach For America who has been a crucial part of shaping my own teaching philosophy. It’s a beautiful community that we share. It has not been a crystal staircase, but thanks to the people around me, I’m still motivated to make the climb.
I have always admired the mental health work that Seneca does. I’m hopeful and excited to see the direction that the agency takes regarding special education.
Blog post written by:
Tatiana Toscano, Academic Intervention Specialist
Tatiana Toscano, Academic Intervention Specialist
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