Mimi Karabulut

As a student at the University of Michigan double majoring in political science and international studies with a CASC minor, Mimi tended towards academic and co-curricular opportunities that incorporated public speaking and education. Having competed on the debate team in high school, she found a home in Project Community’s Urban Debate section. Weekly, she worked with students in Detroit to develop debate skills, improving literacy, lowering dropout rates, and promoting self-esteem. Like many college seniors, Mimi wasn’t totally sure where she wanted to end up, but she was drawn to teaching. Mimi landed a job with Aspire Public Schools in a teaching and educational residency program. Four months into the program, Mimi loves her life as a 4th grade teacher and masters student in Stockton, CA. With Aspire, a charter district that extends a traditional district's school year, Mimi is surrounded with great mentors and support during her first year of teaching. As a white, economically privileged, female teaching in a primarily low-income, Latino community, Mimi is super conscientious of her privilege relative to that of her students and spends a lot of time thinking about the ways in which her teaching can be either oppressive or helpful. Mimi carries the themes of CASC with her as she takes her practical and theoretical experiences at Michigan into the professional world. Mimi is looking forward to continuing her work with Aspire next year in Memphis and continuing to hone her skills as an educator.

Mimi’s tips for graduating CASC students: Take all of your materials with you. Stepping into the real world might not be the same as the supportive CASC and University of Michigan communities. It’s good to have reminders of why you believe the things you do, and the best ways to articulate your values in your professional life.