Name: Michael Guthrie
Breakthrough Program: Cincinnati
Subject Teaching: 9th Grade Math
School Attending/Year: Ohio State, Junior

I have grown in many ways over the past 6 weeks, and not only as a teacher. I began the summer having a difficult time figuring out what types of lessons my students would respond well to. Through numerous talks with my mentor teacher and my peer teachers I finally started getting some ideas for activities to engage students more. This was such a great feeling because first of all, I didn't really have to work that hard to come up with the ideas. Just by working with and listening to my students I think that I developed a feel for what they want to hear and do. The other great part about this aspect of growth was that I received instantaneous positive feedback from my students. They would say things like,"the lesson today was really interactive - let's do more stuff like that." I think only in Breakthrough can teachers and students share such an open dialogue! Free from the standardized tests and pressures of the school year, my students and I worked together to develop more creative and interactive lessons.

Besides growing as a teacher, I have grown as an individual. I challenge myself to become exposed to as many new perspectives as I possibly can every day. This program has certainly challenged me in that way. From the students to my fellow teachers, I have gotten to know people incredibly different from me in a way that is not possible in everyday circumstances. Working alongside less privileged teachers and students has given me an insight into my own high school and college experiences. I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunities that I have and I feel really good that I am a part of this Breakthrough program that provides such fantastic connections for students that truly deserve them.