EXPLO

Program Assistant

June - August 2018 • New Haven, CT

What I liked

I loved the other staff that I worked with, as well as the students at the program. They were from all over the world, and it was great to be working with all different individuals towards a common goal.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have been an RA and instructor. In order to have these roles, you must have finished at least two years of college. I did, however, get the opportunity to teach soccer, which was a great experience.

Advice

I would recommend keeping an open mind and staying patient. Not everything goes the way we plan, so you have to be ready to adapt to new situations, while remaining enthusiastic in front of the students.

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Classroom Instructor and Residential Assistant

June - August 2018 • Norton, MA

What I liked

I loved how well the program administrators prepped you before summer for the position, and that they were constantly available throughout the summer to give more support. It was also the first time I was in a professional setting where I felt like an equal to my supervisors -- they were just as willing to take feedback as they were to give it. The staff also really bonds throughout the summer since it is such a tough job, but I made some amazing friendships through the experience.

What I wish was different

I wish I was more aware going in how absolutely exhausting of a job this would be. I loved everything about it and grew so much from the experience, but it is a test of emotional and mental stamina unlike any I have ever dealt with.

Advice

It is not only a job for people who are sure education is the path for them. The staff was FULL of people who were either thinking of education as a slight possibility or who were totally at a loss of where they wanted to head professionally and wanted to try something different. If you think education even might be a path you want to pursue I would take this chance to see how it can look outside of a traditional classroom setting.

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Cybersecurity Instructor

June - August 2018 • New Haven, CT

What I liked

Getting to know my students, and watching them learn and grow. If you want to be an educator of any kind, it’s important to want to make connections with your students.

What I wish was different

I wish I had had more time to make my curriculum. It was a bit last minute, so it was not as fully developed as I would have liked.

Advice

Not even limited to this expereince, know what you’re signing up for. Learn as much as you can about what it’s like, that way there won’t be any (or at least many) surprises along the way.

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Instructor/ Residential Advisor

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

At EXPLO, I was an instructor for the Business and Entrepreneurship course and Digital Photography workshop. I really enjoyed building relationships with my students and seeing their excitement to learn. I enjoyed gaining skills in teaching, public speaking, professionalism, and learning about my content. This is a perfect summer job for anyone interested in being a teacher one day or wants to work with kids. If you aren't interested in either, it is still a good summer job to gain valuable skills.