LITERATURE ASSIGNMENT
Hello! My name is Mrs. Corgan and I will be your 7th grade Literature teacher. In our class, we will be reading, discussing,
and writing about everything that we read! Your summer assignment for Literature is to complete a “ME” PROJECT. This
will include:
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A typed essay (at least 2 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman size 12 font)
PLEASE EMAIL THE ESSAY TO LILA.CORGAN@MASTERYCHARTER.ORG BY AUG. 17
A poster representing who you are – please include at least three graphics
A rehearsed verbal statement (memorized and audible)
Essay
Your essay should discuss the following points in detail. Please feel free to add on to any of the requirements below!
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About Me (your culture, community, likes/dislikes, school experiences, friends, etc.)
About My Family (parents/guardians, siblings, ancestors, supportive role models)
My Positive Life Experiences
Life Challenges I Face / Have Faced
My Hopes and Dreams for the Future
Be sure to type and print this essay and adhere to the strict guidelines: at least 2 full pages, double-spaced, size 12
Times New Roman. Additionally, use Spell Check! There should be minimal spelling errors.
Poster
Your poster should be a visual representation of who you are. It should include at least 3 graphics (they can be clip art,
photographs, drawings, etc.). Make it bold, colorful, and creative! The best posters will be on display in our class during
Quarter 1.
Verbal Statement
Please fill in the blanks and memorize the following statement. You may not use a notecard.
Be sure to speak loudly and clearly. If you are shy, practice, practice, practice until you feel confident speaking in front
of 29 other students.
Hello, my name is ______ and I would like my teacher to call me ______.
Two fun facts about me are: ______ and _______.
Sample Essay: Mrs. Corgan
I grew up in Connecticut in a town called Torrington. My mom named Nazy still lives there and this
year, my sister Kristen just graduated from Torrington High School. I also have a brother named Tyler who is in
the U.S. Army. He lives on base in Maryland with his wife, Dani. My mom was born in Iran and moved to the
United States in 1978 when she was 18 years old. She didn’t know any English but eventually, she learned. I
don’t know my biological dad but I grew up with my step-dad named Peter. When I was in high school my
mom and step-dad got a divorce. Later on, my mom re-married a man named Tom and my step-dad re-married
a woman named Bonnie. My family is complicated but I love them!
I went to The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated in 2006 with a
Bachelor’s degree in English. I met my husband Sean there and many of my friends, including my best friends,
Ellie and Chelsea. After Holy Cross, I moved to Baltimore, Maryland where I taught at Mount Royal Middle
School in West Baltimore City. I loved that city and my students there, but I moved to Philly in 2008 to be with
Sean. I taught at the Mastery Pickett Campus until 2010, and Sean and I got married in 2011. That year, I
moved from the Pickett Campus to the Thomas Campus and I have been teaching seventh grade here eversince.
I live with Sean and our two daughters, Evie and Molly. Evie is three years old – she loves visiting the
library, watching Dora the Explorer, and coloring. Molly is one-and-a-half years old and she is naughty – she
loves spilling things, knocking things over, and hitting our dog, Jeter. We named our dog Jeter because my
husband is from New York and yes, we are Yankees fans.
My most positive life experiences (in addition to being a mom and wife to my wonderful family) have
been teaching my students at MCTC. I love my students and I am so proud of how hard they work in my
classroom every day. This past year, my students and I shared so many personal connections with texts we’ve
read and have had deep discussions that have meant a lot to me! I love my job and I am so excited to meet new
children every year and help them to learn how to love reading. One challenge in my life has been struggling
with A.D.D. in school. Sometimes, it was very difficult for me to focus and when I felt lost, I didn’t know how
to ask for help. I thought I would get in trouble for “spacing out,” so I didn’t admit when I was confused. I
struggled with math, especially. I remember in fourth grade, I even started crying in class because I felt so
frustrated and stupid! I know that reading makes some students feel this way, so I try to teach students that it is
okay to admit when you’re confused and ask for help.
My hopes and dreams for the future include having a big house with a huge yard with many flowers, and
a nice car. I drive a mini-van right now, which is good for my kids, but hopefully one day I can have a “cool”
car  I really want my children to attend a very good school, which pushes them to be critical thinkers but also
helps them to be creative and have fun. I have never been to another continent and I really want to travel more –
I would start with either visiting Italy or South Africa. I think it would be so much fun to go on a safari and see
animals like giraffes and lions in the wild. I would like to continue teaching and watch more of my students
graduate from college and be successful in their own lives.
If I were to complete a poster that represents who I am, here are some images I’d include: