Letter from South Dakota
Dear Friends,
When I received the letter inviting me to join the South Dakota corps I was excited, awed, and a little scared. Friends, family, and even a part of myself questioned leaving a wonderful situation for what I knew would be a great challenge. Although I grew up in Minnesota - just a seven-hour drive from the Rosebud Reservation - it was a completely foreign entity to me. Additionally, I had never taught anything before in my entire life. I realized quickly that these questions in my mind were completely normal. I now recognize that these challenges are simply stepping-stones to success. I walk into school every day thankful for a job that is meaningful and leaves me constantly renewed.
It is a delight to be in a place where you can run into a handful of your students at the market, and that evening have the opportunity to see other students participating in pow-wows and rodeos.
It is such a privilege to live here in South Dakota and on the Rosebud Reservation. It is a delight to be in a place where you can run into a handful of your students at the market, and that evening have the opportunity to see other students participating in pow-wows and rodeos. I came to Teach For America to teach, but it is clear that I have already had the chance to learn so much from my community.
Not only am I surrounded by physical beauty, but also by a corps of beautiful people who pour their hearts, minds, and sweat into closing the achievement gap that surrounds us. It is a group that is extremely supportive of one another. I know when times get tough for me, any of my fellow corps members will be there to encourage me, offer advice, bake cookies, or lend me a Phillips screwdriver if that is what I need.
As a special education teacher, I have witnessed the power of a teacher believing in his or her children. I have the opportunity to lead a group of kids who look to me as their guide, not only in achieving significant gains in science and English, but also on how to grow up as young people in an increasingly difficult world. The enormity of this challenge does not escape me and at the same time there is nothing stopping us from achieving success. The resources are out there.& The support is out there. Most importantly, the will and desire to achieve is within our students and each other.
Sincerely,
Krishnan Subrahmanian (Corps '04)
Our corps members
Placement regions
Corps and Alumni
