By Raquel Vincent, Communications Associate, KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth
From our inspiring students, to our rock star teachers, to our go-big-or-go-home mentality, I could not possibly count the ways in which I love KIPP DFW. But, this is a start.
1. I love KIPP DFW because our students inspire me daily.
Our incredible teachers have the honor of directly serving our students on a daily basis. As a member of the school support center, my service is mostly behind the scenes. So, I feel honored whenever my job allows me to interact directly with students because they consistently inspire me.
Just last week Kamilah, a sixth grade student I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since joining KIPP, submitted a proposal to her school leader to start a club to encourage fifth and sixth grade girls to dream big and to make smart choices. As a sixth grader, Kamilah already wants to take a leadership role, not just in her own success, but also in helping her teammates succeed.
2. I love KIPP DFW for its ambitious vision.
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas and we have a big job here in Dallas-Fort Worth: expanding to ten schools, serving 5,000 students, and tripling the number of college-ready graduates in southern Dallas. This is no small feat, and everyone in the KIPP DFW Team and Family works tirelessly to support this vision.
3. I love KIPP DFW for its tenacity and grit.
KIPP DFW, like many schools, has faced its fair share of obstacles. Throughout the changing seasons, one thing has remained constant: the steadfast pursuit of excellence. The entire team is among the brightest and most passionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. And, our school leaders provide continuous encouragement to push through obstacles and maintain focus on our students.
4. I love KIPP DFW for our shared mission.
Everyone is here for the same reason: to provide students in underserved communities with a free, rigorous, high quality education that helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and character strengths necessary to thrive in school, college, and the competitive world beyond. Whether it is staying an hour after the buses left to make sure a student gets home, or making time to have lunch with students, or coaching a sports team, the staff of KIPP DFW truly does whatever it takes for our students.
5. I love KIPP DFW for welcoming me to the team and family.
It was a dream of mine to work for KIPP ever since learning about the work taking place in KIPP schools in Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. As the communications associate for KIPP DFW, I have the honor and pleasure of sharing the story of KIPP with the people of Dallas. I love that I have the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people on the regional team, as well as our brilliant teachers and students.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, my team and I have decided to show our gratitude for the work our students, teachers, school leaders, and staff do each day to climb the mountain to and through college. We’re showing our gratitude by sharing all of the reasons why we love KIPP DFW both in-person and online through posts like this as well as our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
We invite you to do the same! Share what you love about being a member of the KIPP Team & Family (whether it is as a student, family member, teacher, leader, or supporter). Tag us on Facebook or mention us on Twitter to join the conversation.
Looking forward to seeing you share the love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Join our community on Facebook and Twitter:
KIPP Foundation on Facebook | KIPP Foundation on Twitter
KIPP DFW on Facebook | KIPP DFW on Twitter
