Every summer Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake hosts Visitors Day, an event where we welcome in guests—both new and returning—to come see BMB in action. In the spirit of KACHOW, this year’s Visitors Day event was fun and inspiring. Attendees included both Blake and BMB parents, Minneapolis Public Schools partners, Breakthrough Marketing and Communications Task Force members and other interested parties who observed our morning All School Meeting and listened to BMB students and teaching fellows talk about their experience in the program.

Below is an excerpt from one of those teaching fellows, Aubrey Whitaker, who though new to BMB, isn’t new to the Breakthrough Collaborative. She was a teaching fellow with Breakthrough New Orleans in 2021-23.

Aubrey Whitaker

Why BMB?
As much as I loved working at Breakthrough New Orleans for the past three summers, I knew it was time for me to go and explore the beauty of other Breakthrough sites. I landed on BMB because I wanted to learn more about the Minneapolis school system while also working with a small and tight knit community. Working here has been the best decision I could have made, and I will cherish the relationships I have made with both students and faculty forever.

What surprised you most about this summer?
Going into this summer I was nervous coming to a new place where I knew absolutely no one. But thankfully, and in true Breakthrough spirit, the community welcomed me with open arms and warm smiles. The connections I made between the students and my peers flourished fast and naturally without feeling forced at all.

What was your favorite part about working with students?
One norm that is truly embodied here at BMB is students teaching students, which was my favorite part of the program. Although I was the one standing in front of a class teaching about narratives, the students truly were the ones teaching me. They taught me so much about their personal lives and how Covid impacted them and their education, whether they realized it or not. They taught me how to be a better teacher and a better person. This was my absolute favorite part about working with the students, and I would not trade this experience for anything.

What has been the greatest benefit to you?
This program has changed my life for the better, from my first day of orientation in 2021 to the last day of wrap up week in 2024. I have learned so much about my place in society and the position I hold as an educator. I learned about the public school systems across the states and how much we are in need of teachers who are culturally responsive. This took a lot of self analyzing and learning, and although sometimes difficult, it has made me understand so much more than what I thought I signed up for. Every single day I learned something new and made connections with my mentors and peers that I will carry with me throughout my life. Not only did I learn about life in the classroom, but how life outside of the classroom affects everything.

What did you learn about students this summer?
Middle schoolers get a bad rep, but they truly are the best! It's always scary on the first day of class, but their sense of humor and ability to step out of their comfort zones is inspiring and rejuvenating. As with anybody from any age group, the first few days of a new experience are intimidating, but these scholars are so quick to make new friends and crack silly jokes. Although sometimes I don't understand all the lingo and memes, they are always authentically themselves and have heaps of empathy for those around them. It is an honor to work with them throughout some of the more difficult days in their lives.

What would you tell somebody who doesn't know about BMB?
Breakthrough is worth it. Either as a student or teacher, the long days and reading assignments may seem daunting on paper, but the connections and memories are worthwhile. To know the Breakthrough experience is to live it, and I hope that everyone can experience it in one way or another. Whether that be attending parent-teacher conferences, observing a class or coming to celebration, the more you can do, the better. BMB is filled with unmeasurable love, compassion and learning.