Stephanie Cordero-Gonzalez '17

What have you been doing since Commencement?

While at Knox, I was accepted into Teach For America, a non-profit organization full of leaders who commit to teaching in low-income schools. After Commencement, I taught fifth and sixth grade at an urban school for the summer before transitioning into my own classroom full time. I'm currently a first grade teacher in Gary, Indiana, and I love my students and my job. I'm also a graduate student on the weekends, working toward a two-year teaching license and a master's in education. 

How did Knox help you get there?

Knox helped me gain such valuable leadership and work experience. Through opportunities such as the Mellon Fellowship Program, I was able to explore several career paths and job opportunities before committing full time. Through all of the organizations that Knox offers, I was able to develop leadership skills that are useful in my classroom every single day. Knox provided me with the tools I needed to develop the kind of work ethic that I want to pass on to my first graders. Knox was also a place where I could have uncomfortable and stimulating conversations about educational inequity and challenges that face our urban communities. Professors, staff, and students at Knox College challenged me to be better every day.

As a Knox student, Stephanie was involved with M.E.Ch.A de Knox, Tri Delta, and was an alumni ambassador. She was also on the Student Advisory Board for the Student Success Program.