After Simmons, alum continues to learn

Simmons College alum, Judy Leon, had little hesitation when it came to starting her career.

Leon had an amazing experience at Simmons, she said. "I found my boldness and learned to push myself out of my comfort zone," she said.  "I guess that's what happens when you're surrounded by really strong and talented women."

Leon felt as though the school provided her with meaningful leadership opportunities. Leon served as the Sister of Community Relations and Education for the Black Student Organization and as a mentor for the Multicultural Open-Door Travel (M.O.S.T) program.

"In both roles, I participated and planned events, and interacted with others who shared the same passion for the issues that meant most to me," said Leon. 

After graduating in May of 2009, Leon kept herself busy. "I wanted to fill my resume with meaningful work experience," she said.

Leon began her career working as a Paraprofessional in an SEI (Shelter English Immersion). SEI teaches students whose primary language is not English.  The program is designed so students will learn to read, write, and speak English fluently.

After SEI, Leon started working at MATCH charter public school in Boston, where she is currently employed.

The mission of MATCH is to help their students achieve success in college and beyond and reverse the underachievement seen in many Boston students, according to the school's website.  MATCH prepares students to succeed before, during, and after college.

"My journey with MATCH began a year ago, when I met Kate Carpenter Bernier who introduced me to the organization," said Leon. "Under her guidance and leadership, I was given the opportunity to tutor two amazing scholars at the MATCH Middle School."

After tutoring, Leon went on to do part-time community outreach for MATCH Community Day Charter School, which opened this fall. 

"I became actively involved in the recruiting process, provided translations in Haitian Creole and helped spread awareness about the new elementary school in the community," said Leon.

Leon is now an official Corp team member at MATCH.  The MATCH Corps is a competitive one-year fellowship program in Urban Education, according to their website.

Corps members work with small groups of students and tutor one-on-one while giving academic support and building close relationships.

"My responsibilities include everything and anything," said Leon.

Monday through Thursday, she tutors six students in literacy and math.  

"I also help supervise lunch and recess, wipe four-year-old's tears away and help find changing clothes for scholars who had ‘bathroom emergencies,'" she said.

Leon also has a second job at MATCH.  She is a teacher's assistant for a kindergarten through first grade class at the school.

"On Friday and Saturdays, I'm also attending training classes, learning techniques and approaches to be an awesome first year rookie teacher."

These classes are part of MATCH's MTR (MATCH Teacher's Residency) program, which prepares students to teach English or math in urban Charter Public Schools, according to the website.

"I work 11 to 12 hour days and love it. We love doing it for the kids because they truly deserve it," said Leon.

Leon works hard to close the achievement gap, but she loves working with the scholars.

 "Even on the toughest days, words cannot express my love for them.  They are amazingly talented, energetic, and full of life.  Kids are amazing in this way—they allow you to see the world so differently," said Leon. "Being around these scholars is the greatest privilege I've had thus far."

Leon has had a great experience at MATCH and is excited to see where her Corp experience and MTR program will take her.

For now, Leon has three pieces of advice for current undergrads at Simmons that will prepare students for life after college.

 First: "Follow your heart and major in your passion," she said.  "I promise you, the money will come if you chase after what gives you joy."

Second: everyone should intern as much as possible.  "All of my positions after college came from networking while interning and also at ‘dead-end jobs.'  Do all of them, even the ones you don't care for.  If you're too good for the little ones, the big ones will be too good for you," she said.

Third, and what Leon says is the most important: "Stay humble.  Make a lasting impression on every person you meet because you never know when you'll need them."

Leon said, "You never know who may bless you with your next opportunity when you need it the most. Be good to people, even those who clean the bathrooms at the companies you work for."