Alumni Spotlight: David Lewis
David Lewis, '14 Greater Nashville alumnus, shares some advice and reflections from his time in the corps.
April 4, 2017
Name: David Lewis
Corps Region & Year: 2014 Greater Nashville
Current Role & Employer: Eighth Grade Science Teacher, East Nashville Middle School
Hometown: Fairburn, Georgia
Why Nashville?
Nashville is a thriving city and a place I called home before joining TFA. I have a passionate belief in the potential of Nashville’s youth and feel blessed to play a role in their development.
Is your current work connected to the vision of achieving “One Day” in Nashville? If so, how?
My work doesn’t align to the ambiguity of “One Day” as much as it’s defined by, “Every Day”. “Every Day” is filled with purpose. ”Every Day” is a personal opportunity to be better than the day before. “Every Day” is a good day to pursue greatness. Through my work, students are pushed to excel by these expectations, and I believe it will carry over to other facets of their lives.
What are three things you learned in the corps that you’d like to share with incoming corps members?
- You’re not the only teacher. Listen to, and learn from your students.
- Inequity is a lived experience, not just a buzzword. Be authentic and innovative in your approach to eradicating it.
- Write down all of the insane and ridiculous things that your students say and do. When you have a bad day/go through a rough time, read it.
One thing to do before leaving the corps?
Eat at “Knock Out Wings” on Jefferson. Their peach tea and honey cornbread is out here saving lives.