The Alumni Connection - Evan Paul - Class of 2014 -Amherst
Evan Paul graduated from Vanguard in 2014 and was the recipient of the Amherst College Scholarship, a National Merit Scholar and an outstanding Vanguard student.
Evan Paul believes that potential is equally distributed across lines of race and class, but that in America today, opportunity is not — especially in education. That’s why she said she decided to become a teacher and joined Teach For America, an organization dedicated to educational equity.
“Educational equity is a serious issue today,” she said. “I think every child deserves a great education, whether they can pay for it or not. Teach for America focuses on placing teachers in high-need schools where many or most students are low-income and considered at risk. TFA's goal is to end the cycle of educational inequity in these schools and the communities they serve. When I learned about TFA, I knew I had to join the fight.”
Currently, Paul works as a high school English teacher in Memphis, Tenn. After Vanguard, she attended Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. where she double-majored in English and Sexuality, Women's and Gender Studies. In addition to her studies, she was a resident assistant (RA), an editor for the college newspaper and a member of an a capella group, The Amherst College Sabrinas.
Though at times it has been difficult, Paul said teaching has been a rewarding experience. “I love knowing that I am making a difference in my students' lives,” she said, “whether that be through what I teach them or the example I set for them.”
Learning the importance of intrinsic motivation is how Paul said her Vanguard education was most impactful. “Without personal goals and motivation, you cannot do anything,” she said.
Paul named English teacher Sarah Lieber as one of her favorites. “She made a wonderful impact on me,” Paul said. “I try to emulate her kindness in my own teaching.”
If she could give any advice to current Vikings, Paul said it would be to respect your teachers. “They work harder than you know,” she said.
Currently, Paul works as a high school English teacher in Memphis, Tenn. After Vanguard, she attended Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. where she double-majored in English and Sexuality, Women's and Gender Studies. In addition to her studies, she was a resident assistant (RA), an editor for the college newspaper and a member of an a capella group, The Amherst College Sabrinas. 