Anshula Greene

It is now fifteen years later, and still Breakthrough Houston (formerly SummerBridge Houston) is influencing my life.  I joined initially as an idealistic college student with hopes of being able to change somebody's life, to convince them of the power of an education, and to show them the options that they have for their future.  I never thought about the ways that it would change MY life and convince ME of what I wanted to do with my future!  The best thing that came out of it was the relationships that I was able to build with my students and the perspective of the world that they provided me with.  Several of them attended my wedding, and they still fill up my facebook page.

Anshula with former students (L to R): Christina, Jessica, Jenny, and Lisa Marie.

Anshula with former student, Jessica.

Anshula with another former student, Jessica.

One story that stands out in my mind occurred while I was in my 3rd year of medical school.  Two of the girls came to visit me while I was doing a rotation in McAllen, Texas.  Since we were living so close to the border and neither of them had ever left the country, we decided to walk the short bridge into Mexico.  As soon as we got into Mexico, one poor child began asking one of my students for their half-drunk Dr. Pepper.  My students were in shock!  They had never seen such extreme poverty.  When we got back to the United States, they kept talking about how sorry they felt for these poor kids and how lucky they were to have all the educational opportunities and the chance to succeed in their life.

Anshula Greene

Breakthrough Houston (SummerBridge) teachers in 1996.

Breakthrough Houston (SummerBridge) teachers in 1997.

Anshula Greene was a teacher for Breakthrough Houston in 1996 and 1997.  After coming to a Visitors Day this summer, she shared pictures and stories from her experience here at Breakthrough.  If you know of any Breakthrough Houston Alumni email addresses or contact information, email Darcy Douglas at ddouglas@sjs.org.  

Saul Torres

Saul Torres, yesterday's Spirit Stick Winner, gives a brief speech on the impact Breakthrough has made on him this summer.

"Breakthrough has taught me so many things that I don’t know how to express my gratitude.  From my teachers, to my friends, they both have taught me something.  My teachers have taught me life lessons that will help me succeed in life and they have made my summer like nothing I have ever experienced.  My friends and family have been truly a blessing of life.  From Ms. Mimi’s outstanding personality that I will never forget; to Ms. Ferrari’s pick-up lines; to  Ms. Coco’s positive attitude; to Ms. Shin’s enthusiasm; to Ms. Stucko’s hilarious jokes; to Mr. Rihani’s funny laugh; to Ms. Maura’s kindness; to Mr. Gray’s awesome spirit; to Mr. Brown’s awesome pink pants with fish; to Señor Allan’s enthusiasm; to Mr. Von’s corny jokes; to Ms. Kathy’s determination to make us succeed.  To everybody in Breakthrough who wants us to succeed in life.  Breakthrough has been truly a blessing to me and to everyone here.  I will never forget the fun experiences I had.  Thank you Breakthrough."

Aby Cisneros

Aby with fellow teacher Dee Lott and BTH
 Directors Bill and Kathy Heinzerling.

           When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always answered “Computer Scientist.” The 7 year old me always dreamed of one day working at a huge company and making millions of dollars.  As the years progressed, my childhood dream of one day becoming a Computer Scientist quickly faded away.  When that “dream” completely faded away, I began to look for different career choices.  I knew that I loved kids, but I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to something like that.  When I was approached with the opportunity to actually teach a core subject and not just Sunday School, I decided it would be a good experience.  By the end of last summer, there was no doubt about what I wanted to do with my future - I was 100% positive that I wanted to be a teacher.

Aby with one of her students, Jasmine.

             This year, I came in with the expectation to continue learning how to be an effective teacher and how to be extremely passionate about my students’ success.  It didn't take long for these lessons to begin.  As I sat through orientation, I immediately envisioned my students and how I could use so many of the things we were being trained to do in order to make my class effective.  As soon as I saw all of the students and how excited they were to be at the program, my heart began to burn with passion for them.  I saw myself in Jasmine – that young energetic heart that is sometimes misunderstood.  I saw myself in Brea – that student that studies more than usual in order to understand something that is so simple to others.  I saw myself in every single student that walked down the steps of the cafeteria ready to prove how amazing they are.  

Aby helping out with The Breakfast Step!  See the video here:
http://vimeo.com/25351924

            I want to be a teacher because of all of the Breakthrough Houston students.  Each and everyday they show me how dedicated they are not only to their studies, but to their futures as well.  A computer scientist can make tons of money, but a teacher can change tons of lives and touch many hearts.  So, even though I may not be the wealthiest person in the world in the future, I will be the most satisfied knowing that I was able to help someone like me reach their full potential.

Aby with another student, Kristian, during Spirit Week.

Yicel Teran

Yicel Teran is a rising 7th grader and attends YES Prep.

One day I thought that my years would be ruined as a teen.  I thought that because I didn’t really have a vacation after I was in the program Breakthrough Houston.  It was for all six years until high school or 12^th grade. 

Yicel is welcomed by her teachers with the
bridge when she arrives at Breakthrough.

            After I was there for a few days, I realized it was super fun.  I learned new things in every class starting with the first day.  One of my favorite parts is that you are able to learn a new language.  I am learning French.  Also, they have lots of electives and activities offered including outside sports.  Breakthrough Houston will help you in college and to get better jobs.  Breakthrough Houston is so fun, it turns out to be almost like a vacation.

            I want to go to college to have a great and special career.  Breakthrough Houston will help me by learning and having some activities outside of school.  All of the hard work will pay off when you go to an amazing college and have an awesome job.

Maura Sunkel

Maura and some of her fellow teachers
after the first day of class.

I’ve always loved school – I’ve had amazing teachers, I’ve attended fantastic schools – but I’d only ever experienced school from one perspective.  Writing this post at the end of teaching Day Five, I do know one thing: as much as I loved my teachers, I never understood the amount of sheer work they did.  Beyond grading papers and exams – work that honestly seemed easier than writing them – I didn’t understand the preparation that goes into a 55 minute class period.

            At the end of a long, high-energy day, I go home and do more work, making sure that every detail is right for the next day so I can make the most of the minutes I spend with my students.  As much as I whine about the time I spend lesson planning (and then correcting lesson plans), it’s always worth it the next day.  Like today, when I couldn’t figure out why my French II class was being so quiet, only to realize that they were just focusing on the assignment! As a beginning teacher, I can’t express what a joy it is to teach Breakthrough students – they are such committed, dedicated students and they make me want to do my very best.

-Maura

“The bridge in the morning when we greet the kids is such a positive start to the day.  I love how excited the kids are to be here.”

Teachers cheering for students as they leave Breakthrough on the bus.
Starting and ending the day with lots of energy!

Ruben Tang

           Hello, my name is Ruben Tang and this is my second year at Breakthrough Houston.  I came to Breakthrough not knowing what to expect, but seeing all those teachers with all their enthusiasm is really contagious.  After a couple of days, I was one of those students that would always stand next to the teachers screaming out cheers.  These amazing teachers have cheers for almost everything, for example they even have a cheer to tell us what’s for breakfast! (see here: http://vimeo.com/25351924)  Another great thing about Breakthrough is that the teachers aren’t that old and still understand how to have fun, although we still learn, these teachers make learning fun!

            Going to Breakthrough has definitely helped me to be better prepared to be successful in the future tests of normal school.  Breakthrough has helped me have better studying habits, better organization skills, and a better overall character.  Breakthrough has changed my life in such a positive way, and I hope that more people can have such a great opportunity as I have with Breakthrough.  Thanks Breakthrough!
-Ruben

Ruben will be in 8th grade at Sidney Lanier Middle School this fall. 
This summer at Breakthrough he hopes to improve in Math and Grammar.

Kyra Wilson

            I used to be one of those kids who complained and bugged her mom about being bored.  Now that I’m involved with Breakthrough, I never complain.  I love Breakthrough!  Every summer, I look forward to seeing familiar faces and even new ones.

Kyra hugs one of her Family leads and teachers, Chris Brown,
after they finished community service at MAM.

            This year, my favorite thing is Family 11!  I love having all my friends in one family.  I also love the bond between teachers.  It is like they are your friends.  Also being a little ahead in regular school is an advantage.  I don’t know what I would do without Breakthrough.  It is what I look forward to every summer.
-Kyra

Kyra Wilson will be in 9th grade and will attend DeBakey High School.