It’s 8:22 a.m. and I’m sitting at Philadelphia International Airport waiting for my flight. I am making my way to St. Louis, Missouri to spend the week with other educators who are passionate about creating inclusive school communities.

I received the itinerary a few weeks ago and wrote it all down in my planner. I have been anticipating reuniting with other colleagues I met over the last three years and also looking forward to making new connections.

This experience comes at a pivotal moment as I transition into a new facet of my professional career as an educator. I’ve decided to take a risk and move out of the classroom to become an adjunct professor and education consultant.

I am hopeful that the Equity Exchange Cohort will give me valuable insight into how I can blend my educator identity and social activism identity together so that I can have a greater impact within my local community.