Cami Jones
Breakthrough San Francisco
Writing Teacher
Northwestern Univeristy

At the beginning of the summer our directors and returning teachers told us to start preparing for Celebration. It was mentioned sporadically during the first few weeks of the summer, but we were all too focused on staying on top of our classes to give it much thought. When week four rolled around, we started planning. During the preliminary stages of the planning, we didn't talk too much about the goal of Celebration, but as I started preparing the presentations of learning with my advisees, it started to become more clear. The students learn so much during the summer, and they don't have a lot of time to reflect or process. Celebration is an opportunity for them to reflect on the things they've been learning and present them to their friends and family. It's also a time for the teachers to see some of the fruits of our labor. Hearing my advisees and other students eloquently explain concepts that I spent hours thinking about how to teach is really rewarding and affirming. Celebration is an opportunity for the whole community to think, process, reflect, and have some fun as well.