Career Development Lifeline- Daeja Carson by Daeja Carson

Birth

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 02:41:47 UTC

I was born December 26 at 12:45am, 45 minutes after Christmas. In Minneapolis, Minnesota I was brought to my mom in a Christmas stocking.

Kindergarten-Third Grade

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 02:54:52 UTC

I went to the same school Kindergarten- 12th grade. In Kindergarten, I loved my teacher Ms. Johanis. I would leave school, and tell my parents I wanted to be a teacher just like her. In second and third grade I looped with my teacher pictured above, Ms. Taylor. It was in her class that I felt heard, important, and saw representation of myself. She pushed me to become my best self. She believed in me, and wanted the very best for me. I decided I wanted to be a teacher because of Ms. Taylor and Ms. Johanis.

Fourth-Eight Grade

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:01:38 UTC

I was dedicated to my dream of one day becoming a teacher, so I would teach my teddy bears, and little cousins all that I learned in school. My teachers would give me old or extra assignments to complete at home with my cousins. My mom would be the principal, my cousins the students, and I would always be the teacher.

Ninth- Twelve Grade

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:12:25 UTC

In high school I worked for an organization called YouthCARE. I strategically placed myself in positions where I can work in the community, and with youth. Through my work here I was a community advocate, youth mentor, site coordinator for youth volunteering in the community as well as a camp counselor. YouthCARE partnered with a Minneapolis career development program called STEP UP. This program gave kids 9-12th grade exposure to different career fields. The participants had an option to go to camp, Camp Sunrise and get paid for it. For most of the kids it was their first time away from the city, and their first exposure to nature, and being outdoors. We taught kids how to swim, kayak, start a fire, pitch a tent, and survive in the woods. Through this camp we built a family, and a safe space for kids to go.

College-University of Minnesota- Morris

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:18:37 UTC

I attended one of the top schools for education-University of Minnesota- Morris. This was a former Indian Boarding school. As an Ingenious woman I felt connected to the campus, and it's history. I participated in Women's Golf, Black Student Union, and United Students for Africa. On campus I worked in the Wellness Center. I advocated for student health, and provided students with resources for prevention of pregnancy, STI testing, as well as social and emotional support. When I graduated I became a first generation college student. My family was extremely proud of me.

Hiawatha Leadership Academy- Minneapolis, Minnesota

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:24:19 UTC

I started my first teaching job as 3rd grade teacher, the very same grade that made such an impact on my life. I learned a lot that first year. The school I worked at had a large latinx population many of my families and students first and only language was Spanish. I had to navigate as someone who wasn't fluent in the language. Nevertheless, I persevered and at the end of every year those students would be speaking, reading, and answering questions in English. And I had the best relationships with my families. I would continue to teach at this school for 4 more years.

KIPP Northstar- Minneapolis, Minnesota

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:28:13 UTC

I always dreamed of teaching in the community of where I lived, and grew up. I achieved that dream of teaching in North, Minneapolis. Although it was online due to the pandemic I built strong relationships with my students and families. Once the year was over, I ended up having the opportunity to transfer to KIPP Chicago. Within 2 weeks of visiting Chicago for the first time I moved.

First Generation College Graduate

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:31:29 UTC

My greatest Blessing- My son Dior

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:33:54 UTC

In my second year of teaching I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Dior. He truly has changed my world, and has given me so much purpose. This year, 2024, he is in Kindergarten.

KIPP- Chicago, Illinois

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:37:00 UTC

As mentioned before, within 2 weeks of visiting Chicago for just the weekend. I picked up my life, my son, loaded up my car and moved to Chicago. I found a job teaching on the second grade on the southside of Chicago. It was definitely a challenging year, but I loved the work that I did.

Passages Charter School-Chicago, Illinois

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:41:04 UTC

After teaching at KIPP and moving up north (Uptown/Edgewater) I started working at Passages where I currently work. This school is very unique because there is over 50 different languages spoken. Our school partners with Refugee One and has incomers from all over the world. I am in my third year of teaching Kindergarten here, and although the work is hard I love it. I also put together several showcases throughout the year, and run an after school program for Kindergarten- eighth grade.

Bradley University- Masters Program

daejacarson — 2024-09-20 03:46:46 UTC

I applied to grad school for my masters in counseling because I desire to one day leave the classroom setting, and extend my love, support, and knowledge to ALL students. I want to become a counselor in the middle school/ high school setting, so I can be an advocate, and support for individuals transitioning to high school/ higher education. In all my years as a student , I never had a counselor advocate for me. They didn't know my name, nor did they care to find out anything about me. I want to be a safe space where students can talk to me, and be heard.