Audrey Turco ’26 immersed herself in a transformative summer fellowship with Breakthrough
New York (NY), a program that expands educational opportunities for underserved students
and empowers them to pursue their dreams. The organization’s mission aligns closely
with Turco’s studies as a double major in political science and youth advocacy.
Celebrating International Literacy Day, Turco reflects on how literacy has shaped her journey and why helping students discover their voices matters so deeply to her.
“National Literacy Day highlights empowerment, as it allows you to share and create ideas that can impact the world,” Turco says. “As someone with dyslexia, literacy has also meant resilience, patience and finding new strategies to succeed when reading and writing didn’t come easily. That journey has made me even more passionate about helping others discover their own voices and strengths.”
A Day in the Life of a Teaching Fellow
Typically, Turco’s days were busy yet deeply rewarding. They began with an all-school meeting, where she greeted students and led energetic chants to set the tone for learning. From there, she taught two writing classes, guiding students from persuasive introductions to polished final drafts. Later, she led art lessons for seventh through ninth graders, working with acrylic, watercolor and pastel.
“[Art was the] most relaxing part of my day,” she reflects.
“[It showed me that] literacy encompasses not only reading and writing, but also, the ability to communicate effectively. It enables individuals to express themselves through drawings, revealing who they are and what matters to them.”
Days often ended bonding with her small homeroom group or preparing students for high school testing. Once students left, Audrey spent evenings grading, collaborating with colleagues and planning the next day’s lessons.
For Turco, the highlight of her summer came during a field trip to the London Stock Exchange Group’s office in New York’s Financial District.
“[The students] were filled with excitement, snapping photos and smiling nonstop,” she recalled. “At the end of the day, a downpour flooded the streets, and we had to race through the rain together to catch the subway. It was my very first field trip with students in New York City, and the experience not only taught them something new but also helped me form even deeper connections with them.”
Lessons from TCU
Turco says her TCU courses and professors prepared her well for the challenges of the fellowship.
Model UN with Department Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science Eric Cox, Ph. D., helped her build confidence, improve public speaking and guide students in organizing their thoughts. Also, a rigorous course with Assistant Professor of Political Science Jasmine Jackson, Ph.D., taught her persistence and problem solving, which she carried directly into her classroom.
“Teaching is hard,” she explains. “However, my academic preparation provided me with the resilience and problem-solving mindset to adapt, improve and support my students on a daily basis.”
Skills That Last
By the end of the summer, she had gained valuable experience in the classroom, but the lesson she valued most was the importance of truly listening to her students.
“The essential skill I took away this summer was how to listen closely to students, get to know them and value their input,” she says. “It will change the community within your classroom.”
The fellowship also solidified her sense of purpose. While Turco is considering a range of career paths from teaching to nonprofit and community outreach work, her time with Breakthrough NY affirmed her commitment to education.
“I have genuinely enjoyed witnessing the transformative power of classroom relationships and their profound impact on students,” she says.
Advice to Fellow Horned Frogs
Looking back, she encourages her peers to embrace opportunities for growth early in their college experience.
"Don’t be afraid to try new things, especially ones that are different from what most others are doing,” she advises. “Fully immerse yourself in the TCU culture. Attend events, join clubs and fully engage with your peers during class. The experiences you have here shape who you become and help you discover what you’re most passionate about.”
Frogs in the Field
At TCU, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, it leaps into the real world.
Our internship spotlight series takes you behind the scenes as Horned Frogs gain hands-on
experience in hospitals, courtrooms, labs, classrooms and communities around the globe.
Each story shows how TCU supports student-centered growth, encouraging you to explore
your passions, build your skills and turn what you’re learning into impact.
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, DE, and is a strategic communication writer for TCU’s Office of Admission.