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Eight recent graduates have begun two-year stints teaching public school students in low-income communities across the country through Teach For America. They are committed to serving for two years as part of the Americorp program that recruits top college students to teach in urban and rural schools. "These alumni truly understand the need to give back to underserved communities by improving the educational experience of young people around the country," said Kandy Mink Salas, dean of students.

Serving the Underserved

Eight Cal State Fullerton graduates — John Aguirre, Mia Arterberry, Jessica Benson, Lauren Nishida, Leo Otero, Cassi Parkinson, Andrew Pegan and Edana St. Pierre — have joined Teach For America to serve students in underserved communities.

A Broader Perspective

Jessica Benson is teaching reading and math remediation to school children in Mississippi and gaining an understanding of education inequality. She now plans to pursue a career in education policy or administration.

Great Opportunity

"Teaching means being patient, loving and sacrificing a lot. It is incredible the amount of hours I put in week to week in order to be prepared to teach my students," said Leo Otero, who is teaching high school in Philadelphia.

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