Staff Writer

DeKALB | Teach for America representatives gave a presentation last night that demonstrated an opportunity to educate underprivileged students. The program enlists college graduates to help children in low-income communities receive a better education.

Audrey Giesler, recruitment director at NIU for Teach for America, spoke of the immense need for quality teachers in poor communities.

“One in 10 students from low-income communities graduate from college, and only 50 percent graduate high school by the time they’re 18,” Giesler said.

NIU graduate Vinay Mullick spoke of his discovery of passion through Teach for America.

“I left NIU as an engineer and found myself not having much passion toward my work,” Mullick said. “I chose to become a teacher for Teach for America and I found passion every day.”

All 15 students Mullick worked with, each for three years when they were in high school, went on to college.

Johnny Sims, an NIU freshman studio arts major, is a former student of Mullick’s.

“Before I was a student of Mr. Mullick’s, I received C’s and D’s due to the poor teaching,” Sims said. “When he became my teacher during my senior year, I was on the honor roll every quarter.”

The Teach for America program didn’t simply help Sims’ grades, it also instilled in him a sense of hope.

“I give Teach for America credit for helping me get my life on track and making me realize there’s opportunities for me and not just hopelessness,” he said.

Sims is on pace to become the first college graduate in his family.

Those interested in becoming a part of Teach for America without a degree in education need not fret can still participate; an undergraduate degree in anything will suffice.

“The only requirements are that you’re a U.S. citizen, have a 2.5 GPA and an undergraduate degree,” Giesler said.