If you want to truly understand the heart of Math Corps, you need to listen to our students. In their own words, you’ll find the impact of our program and the transformation it brings to their lives. Below is a powerful journal entry from one of our high school teaching assistants, reflecting on the invaluable lessons they’ve learned and witnessed this summer. It’s a testament to the compassion, integrity, and courage that defines the Math Corps experience. Read on to hear about one student’s perspective on how Math Corps is more than just math—it’s about building a supportive, honest, and courageous community.
Journal Prompt #11 – Monday, August 9, 2021
Besides math, the Math Corps also strives to teach compassion, kindness, integrity, and courage. How have you seen compassion, kindness, integrity and/or courage demonstrated this summer?
The Math Corps teaches a lot of important life skills. The Math Corps instills in us the value of family. It is what binds us together. The Math Corps has taught me that it is similar to a tribe. It’s like being part of a caring tribe. This tribe is really concerned about one another on both good and bad days. This tribe never ceases to be generous. In this tribe, honesty is valued. In this tribe, no one ever gives up. The Math Corps has become a cohesive tribe as a result of all of these varied descriptions. These are the most significant lessons I’ve learned from the Math Corps. What stood out the most, however, was seeing my kids demonstrate integrity and guts.
Integrity is crucial in the Math Corps. Integrity, in my opinion, is doing the right thing when no one is looking. It’s recognizing what’s right and what’s bad and choosing the proper way. As a TA, I am responsible for demonstrating that integrity to my students. Even if they don’t see me, I must constantly maintain my honesty. I need to demonstrate integrity to my kids because I want them to be honest. I believe that honesty is the best policy, and I urge all of my students to practice it. I am a role model for my kids, and I want to project a positive image so that they can spread that message to others.
As I’ve progressed through the Math Corps, I’ve seen a lot of things. In a non-tangible sense, I’ve witnessed kindness, courage, integrity, and compassion. However, it was seeing courage and exhibiting integrity to my students that really impacted my heart.
