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Welcome to DFW fellow ducks! We are so excited to have you here! You are about to embark on one of the greatest journeys of your life. Enjoy every minute of it. It goes by so fast! You will meet some of your best friends, be challenged beyond belief, and fall in love with 20-200 children. You are part of making one day possible. Trust yourself and have faith in your ability. You're here for a reason, because someone saw something incredible in you. Push yourself and those around you. Go get em 2015 CMs!

-Hannah Geis (DFW 2012)

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Congratulations!

You may have just finished up your undergraduate/graduate studies or decided upon a career change. Whatever your case may be, kudos to you for getting this far and deciding to embark upon such an important movement.

Now. channel that energy and let it propel you forward when it comes to doing whatever it takes to get your students to the same feeling of accomplishment. Remember that you are NOT alone in attempting to so.

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Welcome to the greatest TFA region in the land. We are so excited to have you! This summer alone you will transform lives. You WILL help in the fight for equity , and the fight to close the achievement gap by the impact you make with the thousands of students you will serve this summer. You are purposeful, you are a leader, and most importantly you care about kids in DFW. Welcome to DFW, ALL of us are in your corner.

- Asha Shirwa DFW '14

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You are going to have the best 2 years of your life! Enjoy the ride, and allow your students to teach you just as much as you teach them. #love

Kassie (Portillo) Rodriguez (DFW'09)

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Welcome to the hardest but most rewarding two years of your life! Everything is about to change.

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Welcome to the best two years of your life

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Welcome to the best two years of your life

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We are so excited to have you in DFW! You are at the beginning of two of the most incredible years of your life! The relationships you will form with your students (which you will soon refer to as "your kids"), the parents of those students, and your fellow TFA peers will be incomparable to anything you've ever experienced. Cherish the people embracing this journey with you, laugh through the tough times, lean on each other, and have fun while you are changing lives!

Melinda Gooch, DFW 2011

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Welcome, welcome. We're so glad you're here! 

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Welcome, welcome. We're so glad you're here! 

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Get ready! You're about to embark on the hardest, yet most fulfilling journey of your life. Don't be afraid when things get hard. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid when things don't work. It is normal to have failures when trying to lead your students to unprecedented success. Good luck, and have fun!

Nola O'Donnell, DFW 2011

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Do right by kids! Have fun and don't underestimate the power of working alongside our students and their families!

Kristen Watkins, DFW 2009

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We are so excited to welcome you to the strongest TFA family out there! The kids in our region that you are about the impact need you! We are so excited to have you hear, and to learn how to be an exceptional teacher right along side you!

-Lauren Edgar, DFW 2014

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Welcome to one of the most dynamic and innovative regions for education reform in the U.S.! In DFW you have tons of community partners here to help you transform the lives of students. All across the metroplex there are people devoted to educational equity and are willing to take action! Our students are so lucky to have you as their teacher! Know what you do in your classroom matters--even on your worst day, your students need you and our community needs you!

Welcome to the greatest TFA region! #Quack

-Chelsea Jeffery, DFW '12

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We are SO glad you are here - and more importantly, your school communities and students are so glad you are here! Whether you stay for 2 years or 10 years, you can be certain you are making a difference here in DFW. Thank you for being devoted to our city. I can't wait to meet you!

-Monica Miller, Mississippi Delta '08

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"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."

-BB King

Give your students something no one will ever be able to take from them.

Welcome to the biggest and best city in the world, we are so glad you're here! I cannot wait to meet you and see and hear about all the changes you will make in DFW!

-Brittany Starling, DFW 2011

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Congratulations - you won the lottery of Teach For America Placements. This corps is the best, the people around you are the best, and the kids in your classroom will also be the best.

You are more important and matter more than you will ever know. The work you're going to be doing with your kids will change their lives in some ways that you will never really, fully be able to see and some ways that you will notice right away. No matter what, give it your all.

Trust the DFW Staff to make you a better teacher. Lean on each other for support when you need it. Call your parents. Go to brunch. Let yourself fall in love with teaching, with Dallas, with your kids, and with your new life DFW. Go all in - don't hold back and you'll have the best time of your entire life. No question.

QUACK ON!

Kassi Yukevich, DFW 2012

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If not now, when?! You got this!

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Welcome 2015 Corps members to DFW! We are so excited you are here and further more, your kids are excited you are here! Thank you for your commitment and best of luck!

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Welcome 2015 Corps members to the GREATEST region there is! Dallas- Fort Worth is so lucky to have you . The work you have come here to do is purposeful and life changing in every sense. This summer alone you are striving for #oneday by teaching thousands of students in the metroplex. This experience will be difficult but we are all in

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Welcome to the Journey of Joyful Uncertainty!

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Welcome to the Journey of Joyful Uncertainty!

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It is certain that anyone's first year of teaching will be full of uncertainty. But hold on to these things that ARE certain:

*You are not here by accident. I believe Providence brought you here as you responded to the call to come serve, ready to invest their very lives into those of our students.

*You will make a difference in the lives of your students. So commit your full selves to invest with all your might and with as much excellence as you can. Go ALL in, you won't regret it.

*You have arrived in the greatest TFA region in the country. This is not a point of bragging, but I believe a point in fact. The all-in, incredibly devoted, wildly capable and compassionate, creative and innovative leadership team is unmatched. Get ready to learn and grow and be led by people who are changing the world for people in our region and beyond.

*You will experience the great joy that comes uniquely to those serving in this great profession of teaching.

We're glad your here, thanks for coming. Now: GO! GO! GO! The best is yet to come...

Daniel Garrison

DFW 2010

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May the odds be ever in your favor

,III,

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Your quest for #ONEDAY begins TODAY.

-Roshelle Andrews, DFW 2013

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Welcome to the Big D! Thank you for joining our mission to close the Achievement Gap. Be inspired and be inspirational everyday with your students, colleagues, and communities. Work hard, have fun, and never forget you are a part of a team!

-Amy (PHX '11)

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Welcome to the best corps in America! The next two years may be the most challenging, but certainly the most rewarding years of your life! Thanks for committing to teaching the students we all love and adore!

Katelyn Newsham, DFW 2012

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Thank you for your work to help our students learn and grow. Remember the lessons you have learned from your teachers, and be prepared to share these lessons with your students. More importantly, be ready to learn more than you can ever imagine from your kiddos. You will never be the same.                                                             -Ashley Lozano D.C. Region '07

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There has never been a better time to positively impact public education across DFW. We are all behind you, rooting for you, and excited to work with you over the next two years and beyond. Be sure to get outside your classroom - be a leader at your school and explore the community you work in. Connect with alums! Challenge yourself everyday. This is not a practice round. You only get two years in the corps, so make the most of it!!

-Lindyn Kish, Miami-Dade 2008

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Welcome to DFW! Not only will you transform the lives of your kiddos this year, but they will transform you just as much. Thank you for being committed to making that transformational change in DFW. Our kiddos are so lucky to have you! We are all here supporting you.

Shine on!!

Kathryn Little, Dallas 2010

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"Even the Son of Man did not come to be served but TO SERVE." These kids need someone to follow--you set the tempo!

-John '11 D-F-DUB

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This is a phrase that I heard over and over again starting out as a 2013 Corps Member. This phrase was something that I had continuously heard, but it was not until I began to face the REAL struggles of teaching, that I began to internalize it.The staff in DFW care for you as a human being FIRST! I am beyond excited for you to start this incredible journey! You are truly unique, this experience will change you, stretch you and mold you to become better and to realize that this phrase is LEGITIMATELY true. You are powerful beyond measure and you do have unlimited potential.

Veronique Jones

Dallas 13'

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The next two years can be two of the most challenging and rewarding of your life - so glad you chose to spend them shaping the lives of our kids here in Dallas.

Brian Carroll

Dallas '09

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Can't wait to meet you and see the great things you'll accomplish

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As a proud Dallas native and TFA alumnus, I can tell you that you are in for a treat! DFW is amazing, and our corps is the best. You will need the support here in order to make the largest impact possible on students. By utilizing the team here and persevering through the rough times, you are going to change a whole bunch of lives. Have fun and march forward.

Helen Kondos, DFW 2012

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Welcome to an incredible city that is ever growing with fun and excitement! Dallas offers phenomenal restaurants, shopping and a wide array of cultural activities. Most importantly, you will meet your kids who will become the loves of your life. Be grateful everyday for the opportunity to change lives. No one said it was easy, but it will no doubt be the most rewarding experience. You have the support of a top notch staff, your school, students, families, the city and the life long friends you'll meet along the way. You are in for one of the most amazing and life changing experiences ever -- soooo exciting!

Whitney Curtis

Dallas '09

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Dallas is a beautiful city full of food, fun and students that need YOU. Enjoy your time with your students, even on those "tough" days... this is the hardest but most rewarding job. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your time with your kiddos - you will truly love them! :)

QUACK!

-Seth Folkenroth

DFW 2012

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Welcome to DFW. Welcome to the two most challenging and rewarding years of your life. The road ahead will be difficult, and if you find yourself feeling down one afternoon this upcoming school year, remember the words of Teddy Roosevelt. It is not the critic who counts, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to those actually in the arena, to those who spend their time in a worthy cause; who at best know in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Dare greatly,

Andres Ramos, RGV '08

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You couldn't have picked a better one. Welcome to the beginning of your TFA experience! You are already so blessed because you are surrounded by incredible staff (but really, the BEST) and fellow corps members who exude passion, determination, positivity, and love. Soon you will meet the even more amazing kids, families, and communities that make up your schools- you'll never forget them. Work hard, have fun, accept that fact that you will fall down (but you've got sooo many people to pick you back up again), and love the heck of your kids. Welcome to the journey to one day :)

Cara Condon, dFW 2012

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I am so excited you are here because you are instrumental in this movement! Kids in DFW need you to love them, teach them, push them, and advocate for them. To know that there will be so many new faces on campuses this fall teaching kids that mean the world to me, makes my heart so happy!!! There are so many people who love and believe you, work hard and have fun! This season is going to be one of the biggest (and most incredible) adventures of your life!

Jenny Ecklund, DFW 2012

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This will be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of your life. Get ready to change lives and have your life changed! You are joining a really special corps ( DFW ). We are excited to have you!

Adaure Nduka DFW '13

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You're about to make an impact at personal, organizational and community levels. It will be incredibly challenging and unimaginably rewarding. We've got your back. You can do it.

Vail Gold, Dallas '09, Uplift

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Get hype! You are about to affect transformational change within the best metro, in the greatest state, alongside the best corps in the nation! It wont' be easy, but in the end well worth it. Never underestimate what YOU and YOUR kids can accomplish. Quack on! #DucksFlyTogether

Trae Harrison, Dallas 2010

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You're about to learn more than you ever thought you could... in such a short time...and IT IS AWESOME!!!

Alyssa Studer, DFW 2014

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Never stop believing--in yourself, your kids, or your school! You have an incredible amount of potential to change lives. Stay strong and quack on!

Gabrielle Aufiero, DFW 2013

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You are about to take on something that is so powerful yet unfinished! Make sure to enjoy and explore Dallas-Fort Worth prior to the academic school year. Your in a great place with lots of things explore and enjoy. Can't wait to meet you!

Gorge Martinez, DFW 2014

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You are part of the civil rights movement of our time, in one of the most dynamic regions of the country for education innovation. Keep your eye focused on the impact you're producing for students; it'll make everything worth it. TFA has been absolutely the most impactful event in my life and I'm thrilled you are here!

Matt Pierson (05, Phoenix)

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Congratulations!!! You have just joined a force for change

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Congratulations!!! You have just joined a force for change

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I am so excited for you.  My TFA experience has always been a wonderful memory for me. Your summer will zoom by and before you know it, you will have a wonderful group of students who will be looking to you to teach them, guide them, and lead them.  Know that you can do this.  It will be hard, but know that everyday you will be making a difference in the lives that you touch. God Bless, godspeed.

LaDonna Gulley, Houston '92

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Welcome to the most challenging and rewarding experience of your life! I am so excited for all of you as you begin making your positive impact on the DFW community. You have some difficult days ahead of you, but you also have so many great ones, and so many opportunities to grow, learn, and change the lives of our kids. So happy you're here!

Kristen Biedermann, DFW 2014

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There will be many challenging days ahead, but you will fall in love with your kids and no matter what you'll always keep working harder for them. Blanca DFW '13

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Welcome to DFW Corps! What an exiting new journey you are about to begin! While the next few weeks and months might be the some of the most challenging, the students you will have the opportunity to work with will change your life. Learn as much as you can, never ever, ever give up, and have some fun (a little bit of music can go a long way!) #YouCanDoIt!

Mary Cooper, DFW 2012

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Welcome to the DFW corps! As you embark on the next 2+ years, know you have the support of a full force of nearly 50,000 fellow corps members and alumni across the nation behind you. We want you to be your best for kids every day, to make transformational change in your classroom. So, stay humble. Stay hungry. And do what it takes to make big things happen for your kids.

Cassie Fago, Dallas 2010

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I am so excited that you will be starting your work in DFW this summer and will begin to know the city you will call home for the next two years or more! You will love it here and I am so excited to meet you guys on campus this summer or in the fall! Take care of yourselves and each other over the summer and through the year. When things get tough turn to your fellow teachers, staff, and alumni everyone is here to help! You've got this!

Megan Malone, DFW 2011

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You begin making your impact on students in DFW this summer. (That is POWERFUL) It's tempting to think of your Institute experience solely as preparation for the fall, but do not doubt that your every action this summer will impact children. Thank you for building a stronger Dallas-Fort Worth!

Megan Fliss, Dallas 2010, Uplift Peak

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Y'all, this is awesome! You are going to totally surprise yourself with what you can handle and overcome this summer and over the next two years. And more importantly, you are going to be surprised with how much your kids will capture your heart! Use every moment as an opportunity to learn and to better yourself as an educator and person. Keep in mind your true purpose and HAVE FUN!

Liz Pittman, DFW 2010

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Welcome to the DFW! You will be completely wrapped up in the mission soon, but don't forget about balance. The kids will need you at your best and the only way that can happen is making sure you take time for yourself. Sleep, eat well, work out, do things you love and talk to/see your loved ones. Good luck & Best wishes!

Toya Irvine, Dallas '09

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We are beyond excited to kick off this adventure with y'all! This experience truly is a game-changer for the amazing students we interact with and as we continue to develop our leadership! Can't wait for us ducks to fly together!

Allison Flannery, DFW Staff

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Congratulations on being accepted to the best region in TFA.! You're going to love DFW and the amazing staff members who will help you through this incredible journey.

The next 5 weeks (and 2+ years) will undoubtedly be some of the most challenging of your life, but as long as you stick to it and try your hardest they will also be the most rewarding.

I am so excited for all of you and for the experiences to come. Pay attention during institute, listen to your leaders and peers, and get to know the other corps members. They will be your teammates as you make it through this first year.

You will be amazing teachers and have so many people who support and believe in you - Ducks Fly Together!

Kristen Witte

DFW 2012

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Welcome to one of the biggest stages of your life! Regardless of the reasons you had for coming to TFA and to Dallas, you're here now and you are going to succeed! We have a great network around you and you have a great goal, now go out there and achieve it!

Also, take time to stop and make friendships with your fellow corps members! These people will be the guidance that keeps you sane, the silliness that keeps you smiling, and the love you need to push through the hardest days. Don't underestimate friendships in this business!!

Welcome DFW 2015 Corps!

Cheers,

Spencer Peters

DFW '2014

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Welcome to TFA's best corps, quack quack! This is just the beginning of a new adventure (hopefully that lasts more than two years)! Enjoy your time, don't forget to take care of yourself. Your first year will be a whirlwind and will go by quickly, be sure to have fun and learn as much as you can. Some days will be tough, but remember: you're changing lives. Take this challenge on head first, you're all rock stars and I can't wait to meet you!

Quack on,

Brooke Parsons

DFW 2014

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Welcome to DFW! The two years ahead of you will change your life. Your students and fellow corps members will push you more than ever before. And we wouldn't have it any other way. Make the most of this time working with the best TFA region in the country!

Ross Thomason

DFW 2011

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We are so incredibly excited to have you here! It’s going to be a tough year, but remember, you are not alone!

Mariah Cowley

DFW 2014

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Welcome to DFW! Congrats on joining such a wonderful and supportive organization!

These two years will be challenging, push you outside of your comfort zone, and will be tough! Keep the kids in mind! You are teaching more than just your content. Your students will learn from you, and you will learn from your students. Remember their stories and your experience! You have a team of support behind you!

Allison Dunne Darnell

NYC 2009

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When the going gets tough, the tough won't get going. But YOU must push on. If not you, who? It's worth it. You're worth it. Congrats and welcome to DFW!

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Congratulations on joining Teach for America! Starting now, you have the opportunity to positively shape the lives of kids across Dallas-Fort Worth. They are so lucky to have you. Take institute one day at a time and remember that your hard work is worth it! There are so many alums cheering you on!!

Brittney Boff, DFW 2010

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These 2+ years will be transformative for you. From the first day of institute to your last day in the classroom, make the most of your time with Teach For America. You are part of an amazing organization in a great city working toward a wonderful cause. Good luck!

Peyton Gulley

DFW 2010

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We are so excited and proud to welcome you to the best TFA region there is! Don't ever hesitate to reach out to the people around you for help -- we've been in your shoes and are more than happy to support you!

Wishing you many successes,

Sarah Aguilar, DFW '14

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You all are about to embark on a great and challenging experience. You will be teaching promising students, but ultimately they will be teaching you. Do not let these lessons pass you by. Hold them dear to your heart, and allow them to mold you into a better educator.

Alexandria Grant DFW '13

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How to flourish, not merely survive. . . 

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How to flourish, not merely survive. . . 

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First, the heat only gets worse. Find excellent places to work that serve cool drinks and know how to blast the A/C.

Second, work and life will tend bleed together until life becomes work and there is no balance. Schedule some fun things to do with friends every week. There's a lot to do in DFW---be adventurous!

Third, eat some chips and salsa!

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Welcome to DFW and best of luck as your journey as a corps member begins! You are about to embark on an adventure that will challenge you in ways you never thought possible. You will grow as an individual and learn so much about the world. I'm so excited for you to meet your students. Always remember that they are strong, resilient, and inspiring individuals who have the capacity to change the world. Thank you for your time and commitment!

Rebecca Schuster, DFW 2012

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The best advice I was ever given while leading others was "be a duck - calm and composed on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath." The ed reform movement will not continue to evolve without more ducks in this world like you. Welcome to DFW - we are so excited to have you here!!

Britan Mills (Oklahoma, '11)

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Welcome to Texas! We are so excited for the impact you are going to have on scholars across DFW. Institute can be rough, but remember IT'S WORTH IT! Our kiddos need you :) -Whitney Hurwitz, DFW 2009

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Some days you're going to struggle but today, YOU GOT IT!

Laura Avila, DFW 09

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This will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You will be challenged, you will be pushed, but most of all you will overcome your obstacles and achieve great things in your future classrooms. We are honored to have you join the family, and look forward to seeing the impact you have on the children of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Sam Lyons

Uplift Infinity

2014 DFW

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They will impact you more than you impact them, and you'll find yourself wanting to spend more time with them than others in your life! They make everything more than worth it. :)

Kristen Mosley, DFW 2014

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Welcome to the best journey of your life

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Welcome to the best journey of your life

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Welcome to Dallas! Your being here and making a commitment to your students is the most humbling, rewarding, eye opening and life changing experience you will have. Know that your students need you more than you can imagine. Every day that you are in the classroom, give them all of the love and hard work that they deserve, and they will give it back to you. And don't forget... have fun!

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We are so excited that you are here! Your journey will be challenging but oh so rewarding! Thank you for committing your time, energy, hearts, and passion to serving the amazing kids that are DFW. Always remember you are not alone - ducks fly together!

Emily West, DFW 2011

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Be brave! Pour your heart into teaching and you will be great!

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This is going to be a tough summer and time in the Corps, but focus on doing your part to be the best teacher you can be for your students and just care for them well. Have fun, work hard, and know that we're all cheering you on.

Graham Sharpe, DFW 2011

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The next two months of your life are going to be a huge blur of information and learning. When you get stressed, remember to breathe and remember that there is a classroom of truly wonderful students ready to work with you as you embark on this journey! -Katie Walantas '14 DFW

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First of all, thank you for committing (at the very least) to two years serving in the DFW Metroplex. This is difficult, yet increasingly important work and everyone connected to TFA, current staff, core members, and alumni alike are here to support you. Breathe often, give it your best, and ask for help from everyone around you. This is the best Corps in the nation for a reason. :)

Best,

Gabe Alcantara, DFW 2010

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Get ready for a very difficult journey ahead. Expect it to be hard. The students are not better off without you. Don't give up. We are here with you!!

Ryan Buchanan '11 (Chicago)

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Work hard, stay humble, and help some great kids build better futures.

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Our kids need you to be extraordinary. In moments when you can choose between mediocrity and excellence, choose the latter. Buena Suerte!

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You are about to start some of the hardest, most rewarding days of your life! I am so excited for you to meet your first group of students and fall head of heels for them! They will challenge you to become your best self. Best of luck!

Rachel Richardson, DFW 2010

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Can't wait to meet y'all! The next 2 years are going to be some of the most challenging and rewarding years of your life.

Tom Hempfling, Phoenix '09

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Welcome to the most rewarding 104 weeks of your life. Your students deserve the very best from you. The only way you can give it to them is by relying on your team. Fly together.

Jen Smith, DFW 2010

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I am so excited for you and this journey that you are beginning. It is one of the hardest but most rewarding and life-changing things that you will ever do! DFW is lucky to have you! Remember that you have a large network here that is always willing to help you with anything you need. Have fun!

Stephanie Gresham, (Jacksonville, FL Corps 2012)

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Welcome to TFA and this wonderful region! I'm so excited for you as you start your time here. It will be tough at times, but it will always be worth it. Remember that we are all here to support you!

Ducks fly together!

Michelle Ward

DFW 2012

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Welcome to Dallas where you will most certainly change lives, while having your life changed at the same time. Stay humble and stay eager. Everyone around you can be used as a resource in some way. You have the best staff in all of TFA supporting you and I am excited for all of the wonderful things that your students will experience because of you.

- Jason Van Tiem, DFW 2010

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Welcome to TFA and the DFW area! I'm so excited you're here and ready to help

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You are going to be tired. You are going to get frustrated. You are going to think you might be crazy. I promise that when a kid tells you thank you, it will all be worth it. So glad you're here!

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This will be the hardest job you will ever love!

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Congratulations and best wishes as you start on the most important thing you will ever do! You will change the lives of children, and your own with each passing day. Don't forget to learn from them- they have so much to teach you as well!

- Maureen Gutierrez, Houston '97

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Work hard. Be patient. Take care of yourself. Ask for help. Don't give up!

Thank you for choosing to be here. Thank you for all that you do for our kids!

-Emma Schartner (OKC 2011)

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This is your chance to put your beliefs into action, to help students achieve at the highest possible level, and to change the course of kids’ lives. I could not be more excited for you!

-John Maher, DFW 2009

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Welcome to TFA-DFW!! We can't wait to see the amazing things you and your students will accomplish!! Get ready for a tough but so very rewarding journey!! Congrats!

Emily Tang (Dallas '09)

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Every day in the corps you'll learn and grow in a way that challenges your thinking and nourishes your soul. Lean into this. Don't let the fear chase you away, lean into the leader you'll be for yourself and students when this experience is over.

-Christine Kitchings, DFW 2011

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This isn't a battle. There are no enemies. They seek no heroes. Just find a way to make your school a better place for students.

Igor German (DFW '11)

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Welcome to TFA-DFW! You are about to embark on the ride of your life, a ride that will impact so many lives. When it gets tough, and it will, always remember that this is work that is done with the heart! That's the hardest kind of work! But you have a family here. Thank you for joining our fight. Thank you for being here. Ducks fly together, you're a part of us now, you are not alone! Now let's get to work!

-Maria Hernandez, DFW 2013

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Not only will you change the lives of your students, they WILL change yours even more!

Special shout out to Aaron Joseph, welcome fiancee!

Iesha McLaughlin

2014 DFW

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Welcome to TFA-DFW! There are so many amazing scholars who will benefit from the love you will pour into them. Be patient. Be reflective. Take care of yourself. Trust the process

-Erin Nicole Barksdale Atlanta 07

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As a native of Fort Worth, I am SO excited to welcome you to North Texas!! The work you will do here will not only change your life, but the lives of the many children you will teach. Adelante! -Erika Beltran, Houston '01

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We are so glad you are here! Can't wait to hear about the amazing things you all will do for our students here in North Texas.

-Cassie, Tulsa '09

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We are so happy you have decided to come to DFW. Our kids need you more than ever