MEET OUR ALUMNI
TINA L.
AGE 33 Education Policy PhD Student
FLETCHER
Major/School: BA, Political Science, The University of Arkansas EdM, Teacher Education, Harvard University Years in EAST: Two Contact info:
tina.fletcher8@gmail.com
Q: First memory of EAST? A: As a Morrilton High School student, I recall attempting to learn about computer design via a CAD program the school installed on our computers. Though I was often extremely confused, I found it fascinating that I could complete work in high school that was not related to my traditional core courses (i.e. English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). It was also great to learn something considered new and innovative.
Q: Why did you decide to participate in EAST?
A: Essentially, I wanted to learn something new and different. Academic achievement was always a priority for us — me and my twin sister, Trina—but I wanted to know what else I could achieve at school. The general conversation around the school was that there was a new and exciting elective being offered and everyone—including me—wanted to take it. Selecting EAST as an elective turned out to be one of the best decisions for us!
Q: Memorable project in EAST you’d like to share?
A: Little moments of self-discovery is what made EAST projects memorable! I recall being the co-lead on a small project with an extremely intelligent classmate, Kelli. She was a year older than me, but we connected and shared a great developmental experience throughout the project. I was learning how to use CAD—Computer-Aided Design— and Kelli was pretty much a genius with the program! She taught me so much. Needless to say, we earned a great grade on the project!
Q: Anything you learned in EAST that you still apply today?
A: EAST was one of the first academic experiences I had in which I completed a long-term project with a classmate; this really activated what is now know as soft skills. It taught me how to work well with others and understand that I may not always have the right answer. More importantly, EAST taught me to listen to other students ideas and understand that everyone’s thought process or path to a solution is different, and that is where true education begins.
Q: How do you serve or give back today? A: I use a lot of my research to give back! Training educators on equity in the classroom is a joy! I also like to volunteer by reading to younger children or donating to non-profit organizations and initiatives that I believe are working to better communities, children, and families in need.
Q: What would you like to see happen with EAST in the future?
A: I would like to see EAST be accessible to students in low-income communities throughout the state of Arkansas, especially in the Delta. A few years ago, I had the honor of working with EAST leaders to bring a class to a school in the Delta, and it was simply amazing watching the students grow into leaders because of their access to the EAST curriculum and conference. Very exciting!
Q: If you could partner with an EAST program to complete a project what would it be? A: If I could work with EAST on a project, it would be the creation of a GIS map to track teacher recruitment and retention within the state of Arkansas. As an education policy doctoral student, I am interested in how school districts recruit, train, and retain teachers and EAST is positioned well to help collect and catalog that data.
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EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org
RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOU: I once dreamed of becoming a marriage counselor.
Q: What advice would you give to EAST students that are graduating soon?
A: Take advantage of every single lesson and piece of knowledge you gain in high school. Even if you think you’ll never use it, 9 times out of 10, you will. And you will be glad you listened. Promise.
Q: Quote you live by? A: “Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only the best, be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.”
