2016
I chose CCNY because of the strength of the graduate program that I applied to. I was a graduate of the language and literacy program in the English department. It had a very strong TESOL background, which was ideal for me because I was returning abroad from teaching English in South Korea. I wanted something that was rigorous and gave me enough theory and research opportunities to pursue TESOL related pedagogies and composition first-year college teaching. That program was perfect for me. The professors were very much collaborating on the curriculum and cared about students and my cohorts. We got along together very well, and we were always open to exchanging ideas. It was the strength of the student population, diversity, and the professor's commitment to equity and related to teaching pedagogy. I'm still very much in close contact with my professors. I teach high school currently, but I'm still very much in touch with that program and any events that go on. Being part of the student organization there really connecting with people that wanted to make an impact on teaching. I wanted to change people's lives and being with a very close-knit group of people that shared the same purpose and drive.