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TFA Begins and other Happenings

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I took off from Colorado Springs and headed to Tulsa for a big adventure. This week was "Induction" where just the TFA corps members who will be Tulsa met together and had a series of meetings and discussion over a few days. I am learning a lot about Tulsa's community and history.

Yes - this is real. I took this pic in the backyard of Kassie's Uncle's house
which is about 40 minutes North of Tulsa. 

I arrived Tuesday morning and checked into a dorm room. My roommate is from Ohio and is incredibly  kind and considerate. He too is a trombone player. This is my room as I first entered it. You can see my desk by the window.


Many of the things we did this week were out in the community of Tulsa. I have been learning about some of the events of the past, and how that has impacted Tulsa's identity and progression. Below are some pics I took of the area near the Tower of Reconciliation which marks the spot where some of the worst part of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riots took place. This is an amazing and horrible moment in the history of our country, and few history books mention it. 

This was my favorite part of this three-fold sculpture.
There was also "Hostility" and "Humiliation" 



University of Tulsa is really nice. I feel very grateful to be here on such a beautiful campus, not to mention being with wonderful folks. 

My group of 7 or so I did everything with this week...

The city itself is pretty great. It is large ish looking but doesn't feel crowded. One evening we went out into the city in smaller groups and had dinner with TFA alums at their apartments. This was taken from the roof of where we were eating.


It is a beautiful city with complex and compelling stories. I am excited and a little nervous to be here but  I know this is where I need to be right now. I just found out I will be working with the 1st graders of Hamilton Elementary during the summer. I still do not know what grade or school I will be with starting in the fall, but for now it looks like I will be with some of the littlest people!


Kassie is doing really well and I am hoping she will upload some pics/thoughts of what she has been doing in CO. We chat quite a bit and look forward to reuniting in a few weeks as we welcome our son into this crazy world. 



Comments

  1. LucyJune 9, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    Looks amazing, Grey! Can't wait for your grand adventures!

    ReplyDelete
  2. David WilliamsJune 9, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    Thanks for the news and pics! You will be great this summer with the young'ns

    ReplyDelete

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