I am a firm believer that everyone should give back to those in need. I’m sure at some point in your life you have collected canned goods, served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless or donated money to your favorite charities. You give for the hope of making a small change in the lives of those who are less fortunate. You have probably said that you would give more if you could but cannot for lack of time and resources. But what would happen if you did sacrifice a significant part of your life to solely helping others? What effect would you have? Six years ago, I asked myself that same question. My decision to make a commitment to helping others would change me forever.

As a first generation Cuban-American, I learned the value of hard work through my parents, who came to the United States from Cuba with very little money and resources. Growing up, I was taught that excelling in school would lead me to a happy, successful life. I was accepted to Syracuse University to pursue my dream, at the time, of becoming a television producer. With the assistance of scholarships, financial aid and my parents’ savings, I was given the opportunity to achieve my dream.

In the spring of my senior year at SU, I began to reflect on how I ended up at the doorstep of receiving a college degree. I first thought of my parents and brothers, who provided me the resources and knowledge to become successful in and out of the classroom. I thought about my high school teachers and college professors, who gave me their time and energy to assist me in learning the subject material. I came to the understanding that my success would not have been possible without the help of several people. It was then that I realized that I needed to give back and provide the same help I received in my life to those in need.

After hours of researching nonprofit organizations on the Internet, I came across Teach for America. Teach for America’s mission and belief in creating significant effects in the classroom not only matched my need to give back, but it also struck a chord in my heart. Becoming a teacher and providing students with the same resources I had received in my life was extremely exciting. After meeting with a Teach for America recruiter, I knew I had to apply.

My Teach for America experience in Phoenix teaching high school special education mathematics and English would change me forever. I entered a classroom where students rarely showed up for class and were being taught elementary-level math and English. I quickly tested all of my students to learn their skill levels in both subjects. I found out that some students were misdiagnosed with a disability, and the rest were at a middle school level. I changed the curriculum to reflect high school-level algebra and English. I decided that being several grade levels behind would not hold my students back from learning the same material as their friends who were not classified special ed. I created incentives to come to class every day through food and monthly attendance prizes. We read the same novels that appeared in mainstream English classes, and I taught my students how to write essays. Every day was different and filled with challenging, exciting and, of course, frustrating moments. As the months went on, I began to see significant improvements in my students in and out of the classroom. Through it all, I learned that my students, despite their disabilities, were capable of absolutely anything. Their passion for success inspired me to become a better teacher and mentor.

After my two-year commitment, I wanted to continue my passion for helping the disabled population outside of the classroom. I moved to San Diego and became a manager for a nonprofit organization that provides employment and job coaching services to individuals with developmental disabilities. I currently assist more than 100 people every day. Providing others with the opportunity to be a productive member of our society while receiving a paycheck means the world to me. I absolutely love my job. Even though I am not in the classroom anymore, I have used my Teach for America experience to continue to affect others in a positive manner. Without Teach for America, I would have never realized my life’s passion.

My story is no different than many of my fellow Teach for America alumni. Our experiences have led us to continue teaching, open up medical clinics in low-income areas, help the homeless and so much more. I look forward to the upcoming years of service I will give to others in need and the positive impact that I will create in their lives.

We are fortunate to be given the incredible opportunity to receive a degree from SU. At some point in your journey, I ask that you reflect on how you got to where you are today and the people who helped you get there. Then ask yourself if you could provide the same you received in your life to others who need help. If you believe that you can make a similar effect and that every child deserves the opportunity to attain an excellent education, I urge you to look into and apply to Teach for America. Your experience will not only change your life, but also the lives of so many who desperately need your help.

Justin Umpierre

Class of 2004

Published on February 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm