RachelCorso

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what were you doing before arriving at THINK Global School?

I am originally from the New Haven area in Connecticut, where I studied English Literature, Creative Writing, and Secondary Education at Quinnipiac University. I moved to New York City in 2015 to work on my MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) at Sarah Lawrence College around the same time I started working at TGS. I always find it funny how I left the MAT program at Quinnipiac to move away from the traditional education model only to find myself back in education. Thankfully, my journey has allowed me to return to teaching and doing so within an innovative context.

2. What are your favorite aspects of your job?

After being here for almost nine years and working my way up at TGS, I think I find the most beauty in seeing how all the moving parts come together to create an unforgettable experience for the students. I also really value the advisory program. Watching students transform themselves within a short amount of time (G10 to G12) through different aspects of advisory has been truly special and deeply rewarding.

3. What aspects of THINK Global School’s educational model do you find most appealing?

Now that I’ve been fortunate to co-lead a few modules this year, I definitely believe modules are the big draw for students and staff alike— myself included. Modules have the opportunity to mix disciplines in a way that aligns with reality and real-world situations. We have been conditioned to believe that in order to understand traditional subjects, such as Math or Science, we must sit down in a class and study that one subject. In actuality, one subject area has a lot more practical real-world applications than we are led to believe, and modules have the flexibility to explore the real-world application of these skills in a more useful and meaningful way. It also helps that we are able to examine and apply these concepts in various locations and cultures around the world. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend seven weeks learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine from practicing doctors in Shanghai or exploring the spiritual component that underpins the practice by living in a Shaolin Monastery alongside Buddhist monks?

4. If you could make one major change to global education, what would it be?

More student autonomy.

5. Which of our core values do you feel you most embody, and why?

I definitely feel like I am a strong combination of Meraki, Satya, and Grit because how can I continue to grow and be better than I was yesterday if I don’t put all of myself into everything that I do— which includes everything that I don’t want to do and that I consider challenging for me. If I want students to grow, be their best selves, and live their best, most authentic lives, I need to show them that it is possible through my actions.

6. What is your most memorable travel experience thus far?

Eating dirty riverboat Pad Thai with Tashi in Thailand.

7. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Take me to the Maldives!

7. What is your favorite book, and why?

On the Road by Jack Kerouac — simply because.