My project was focused on documenting the lives of the students of U Tennessee, one of the four colleges in the Pride of 2023 at KIPP Eastern North Carolina. Interactions with the students both in and out of the classroom has shown me that KIPP has been successful in maintaining a sense of order and respect, while at the same time giving student sufficient space to allow them to pursue their personal goals. This photo slideshow documents one of the main ingredients of the KIPP success story the collaborative effort between the teachers, students, and their parents.
As an international student, I am thankful to have been given the chance to explore what school is like for students in the United States. Pre-college education in Singapore, where I grew up in, is immensely different from what I have experienced. The teachers at KIPP have a strong connection with their students and are willing to take time out from their busy schedules to invite their students over to their homes. For instance, a bonfire was organized for the students right before Thanksgiving break this fall. To me, this demonstrates that the teachers at KIPP have a deep sense of commitment to their job and I believe the students of U Tennessee have benefited greatly from this.