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18 Morristown Magazine Isaiah Crawford, began his career at Fairview Mar- guerite Elementary School. Crawford graduated from Walters State Commu- nity College and through the program was able to attend Western Governor’s University online to re- ceive his bachelor’s degree. “How I got in the programhappened suddenly and unexpectedly.” Crawford said. “I graduated from Walters State Community College with associate’s degree, and was going to go to ETSU. The day after I had registered and went to orientation I got a call from Hamblen County about the ‘Grow Your Own’ Program.” “They said, ‘We’re going to send you to college on- line and you’re going to come to work as a teacher’s assistant in one of our schools.’ I couldn’t pass that opportunity away and so I said yes.” Although the program usually takes around two years to complete, Crawford was able to get his de- gree in a year and half. “I worked really hard and finished in a year and half and graduated this past December,” he said. “You take the same classes that you would at a four- year university, but it’s just online. I had to compe- te the same amount of demonstration teaching and working in the school system.” Crawford would spend half of the day working as a TA at the elementary school and the rest would be spent completing his required student teaching hours. “I would go into different grade and work with small groups, so I was able to assist in the teaching process and gained a lot of practice,” Crawford said. “I would not have learned how to be an effective tea- cher anywhere else. Being stuck in a college classroom doesn’t help prepare you for what it takes to run your own classroom.” Crawford enjoyed the program very much and is thankful to Fairview that they welcomed him in. “It has been great,” he said. “It’s been an awesome experience, and it is truly an amazing program.” “It’s been amazing working at Fairview becau- se they have welcomed me with open arms. I was worried that I wouldn’t be welcomed especially with the teachers who have worked there for years but they immediately treated me like I was a part of their family.” He encourages anyone who is offered the opportu- nity to participate in the program to take the offer. “If get the opportunity or if you get the call to join the program take it,” Crawford said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. To get the chance to have your school paid for and securing a job after you graduate does not come easily so do not take it lightly.” Crawford