SAMSI is a wonderful place to work.  It is the right amount of calm and chaotic!  When they are hosting workshops or conferences there are a lot of people in and out learning or presenting about the latest data driven research.  During the school year when they have grad students conducting research here I’m sure it is even busier!  Part of the SAMSI vision is to conduct outreach programs for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as high school teachers and faculty focused on teaching.  This is why I’m so excited to be working here.  A lot of fellows have specific directions and products they have to create for their mentor’s organization, while I have full autonomy!  Dr. Witelski provided a big idea for me to work from and we whittled* it down to something workable for my age group.  When asked what he and SAMSI specifically wanted from it he said this experience was to help me!  Even when I offered to help with a conference, he felt like it was more important for me to get to participate in some of it rather than help set up.  This experience is incredibly helpful because it is not very often where you are given time to simply create and learn!  If I had to pick something that benefits SAMSI, I would say that they are able to see how their organization benefits teachers on a much more personal level.  But in all honesty, everyone at SAMSI is selflessly providing me with this amazing opportunity without expectations of much in return. I am a very lucky teacher!

*Get it? It’s a play on his name! Wit…Whittled…