The MATCH Corps is our innovative, one-of-a-kind residential tutoring program that provides more than 300 hours of tutoring yearly to each student in our school. For more information, click here, or read an interview with a current MATCH Corps Tutor below.
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Straight From the Corps |
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Diana Vizcarra
Stanford University '04
Comparative Literature Major
MATCH Corps 2006-07 |
What is your background?
Proudly Mexican-American, proudly a Stanford '04 grad, and proudly a comparative literature major-not shy about my love of reading and getting my kids to love it too. I've been working with youth since I graduated from high school-that means tutoring for my SEVENTH year-with the East Palo Alto Stanford Academy (EPASA) and Citizen Schools in Redwood City, CA following graduation.
How did you first hear about the MATCH Corps?
I had started thinking about looking for the "what next" as my Citizen Schools' teaching fellowship would end at the end of the school year. A friend of mine forwarded me the link for the Public Service Career Fair at Stanford and MATCH was one of the orgs being represented at the fair. I couldn't attend the fair, but I looked MATCH up and felt that the opportunity being offered to join the Corps was a good match for me and a good place to possibly grow professionally as I inched towards grad school.
What made you decide to join the MATCH Corps?
The Augustana song, "Boston", was evocative of my state of mind as I considered MATCH Corps. I knew I loved working with youth, and I wanted to take my practice into academia-ideally at Harvard-which, wow, was near MATCH! When I visited for my on-site interview, there was snow on the ground-a major thing for a California girl who showed up with high-heeled boots not fit for snow! But I could see myself entrenched in the mission of MATCH and in love with effecting change in my students for one intense year of service. I foresaw that Boston would be a big change for me personally, but I felt confident that the professional gains would be so worth the risk.
Can you describe your typical day?
My day is by no means typical as a senior tutor. On M/W, which are my busiest days, I tutor my frosh, Mayolly, in math then ELA for the first two periods. After, I hop on the T down to Boston University to sit alongside my three seniors, Anthony, Dakota, and Anh, in an Introductory Psychology class. I squeeze in lunch and preparation for the rest of the day as I enter a long stretch of the freshmen Read Aloud Program (RAP), Senior BU tutorial, Senior BU reading, and lastly, Senior Study Hall to close off the school day at 5pm. After school, I am available to help my students with any homework or assignments they need help with.
What is the hardest part of your day?
Definitely RAP, the freshmen Read Aloud Program! Eleven freshmen, with so much pent up energy from their long days, expected to sit still, read aloud and participate in discussion productively in the middle of the day-yeah, you could say it's a struggle for all involved. I spark with energy at the challenge however; my students say I never stop moving or being excited about what we are reading-we have been able to push so many of our personal limits by reading and persevering as a RAP group thus far.
What do you find most rewarding about MATCH Corps?
Two fold: definitely both the intimate relationships formed with my students and my circle of close Corps members-both are intricately tied to my sense of success and ability to persevere in a happy state of mind.
Can you describe the atmosphere of the school?
At all times-frenzied. Not for the faint of heart-you must love the energy and noise it takes for our students to enter a no excuses world such as MATCH. If you accept that the classroom is a sacred place of learning, then the bounds of the school must accommodate the dimensions of each individual that they must check at the door. They are here to learn, and with that each student brings their whole self. Two hundred of these selves-this is the noise and powerful energy that motivates us all daily.
What has been the biggest struggle you've faced this year?
Accepting that my journey with two of my students (who left the school) could only go so far. One of my students faced the pressures of senior year at MATCH as well as a pregnancy and other overwhelming stresses that no teenager should have to navigate. And one of my frosh moved to the Bronx to face a new and daunting environment. I grew to be comfortable in the strength of our relationships and work for the time that we did have together and the open door I left for each one of them to enter as they would need to reconnect.
What are your plans for next year?
Just as when I found MATCH, I am currently seeking the "what's next?", a predicament that always excites me as perfect opportunities are always found. I hope to inch closer to graduate school in education through whatever opportunity I find/finds me.
How has/does MATCH Corps prepare you for your future plans?
I have a clearer picture of what a deep individual relationship with a student can do for their personal and academic growth-and have some insights as to expand these nuggets of knowledge to the contexts I next encounter. In many ways, MATCH has been an opportunity to "zoom in" to the education world for a year, and I feel empowered to "zoom out" utilizing the practices developed in coaching students closely this year.
What surprised you most about the MATCH School?
I love when the students say, "You forced it," when outraged at a rule, an assignment, generally whatever they are uncomfortable with. But I have been surprised at their ability to still attempt or accept whatever is being "forced", and I think this is due to the AMAZING support of all the adults at MATCH for each student. Yes, they can be outraged for a moment, but then it's time to work-they are never alone and whatever is being asked of them is of the utmost importance.
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Past Interviews |
Diana Vizcarra Interview
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