Shaky Reason for Joining TFA #1: You want to help people.

This is, of course, a wonderful motivation; it’s admirable to want to help people. But why should wanting to help people translate into becoming a teacher? Why not become a Peace Corps volunteer who works to raise HIV/AIDS awareness? Or a program associate at a nonprofit that monitors human rights? Or a volunteer who counsels survivors of sexual assault?

A lot of college seniors want a job that feels meaningful to them, that lets them feel that they are making a difference in other people’s lives, and that’s fantastic. But you should choose a way of helping people that fits your interests and strengths. I cannot stress this enough: if you previously have had little or no interest in teaching, and you’re interested in it now only because it would allow you to help people, reconsider joining Teach for America. Teaching is indescribably hard, and, especially in the schools that TFA serves, can be painful, exhausting, and overwhelming. If you choose a way of helping people that wears you down to the point that you can think only of your own survival, it will be much harder for you to help anyone.

There are a lot of ways to help people; please, choose the one(s) that will best suit your interests and abilities.