Featured Alumnus: Aiko White
In order for a teacher to become certified to teach mathematics in the state of Massachusetts they must pass a test to demonstrate content knowledge, called the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Over the past five years 50-75% of adults who take this exam have passed it. Our TCPLA student, Aiko White, passed the MTEL 47 on her first try, after having completed the tenth grade!
Aiko started peer teaching in her early high school years and credits Dr. Mims with pushing and supporting her. She remembers her elation when she passed. “It gave me so much confidence!”
White began with TCP when she was in eighth grade, and says that, “it was my mom and METCO Director, Aleisa Gittens-Carle, who sent me to the TCP program, telling me that summers were for educational enrichment.” She reflects that, “It helped me so much, and didn’t feel like work as I was making friends. The summer slide is so real, but I felt ahead of everyone else when I got back to school in the fall!” When asked about other highlights, Aiko shares:
Going on field trips, and especially going to Harvard Medical School was something I remember well. It solidified my dream to become a doctor. I was there for math but so happy we had other opportunities to see attainable STEM fields for folks who look like me. In my school I was the only Black graduate of my class, and seeing those examples out there pushed me to continue.
Aiko is currently heading into her junior year at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Her dream is to become a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology and she is currently a Medical Biology major. She is a student-athlete, involved in three clubs (the Pre-Med Club, UNE Medical Missions Club and the Black Student Union) and works two jobs in the evenings. She also finds time to support TCP students at The Calculus Project Leadership Academy at Boston University as an Associate Teacher in our summer program.