Advot in Action
By: Annie Kee, Managing Director
March 2025
Working with puppets at Homeboy Art Academy
It has taken me a long time to embrace vulnerability as a teacher. For many years, I didn’t share anything personal about myself. The truth is, the reason I became a teacher in the first place is because I needed a teacher like me.
I still remember the first time I shared a part of my personal story with a class. The check-in question that day was, “What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?” Every student in the high school class shared, ranging from big achievements to small ones. When it was my turn, I talked about how I gathered the courage to quit a difficult job, and the class responded with a round of applause.
As an Advot teaching team, one of the things we've worked on is how to introduce ourselves to students in a way that encourages them to open up. We created a checklist: share your name, where you're from, a fun fact, and something vulnerable or inspirational. The goal is to establish a connection and to make sure we show up authentically in the first class, laying the foundation for vulnerability and openness.
Here’s how I introduce myself:
My name is Annie.
I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY.
I’ve moved across the country over five times.
I grew up in a shared custody situation, with divorced parents. I found a lot of self-esteem in classes like dance and drama where I felt seen and could truly be myself. It’s that space I want to create with all of you.
This spring, I have the pleasure of leading a class at Homeboy Art Academy. It’s a lively and joyful group of 15-29-year-olds—energetic, ambitious, and so much fun. My co-facilitator, Mara, and I have named the class “Communication for Entrepreneurs” because the students are aspiring business owners. We wanted them to feel confident introducing themselves in an engaging way from the start.
We went around the circle—name, where you're from, a fun fact, and something vulnerable or aspirational.
“I’m graduating from high school.”
“I want to be a role model to my brother.”
“I’m taking college classes.”
“I got my driver’s license.”
“I’m a good mom, even though I’m young.”
“I’ve been sober for a year.”
After every share, the group applauded.
We may not have been the key factors in how they achieved these things, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be witnesses to their accomplishments and to create a space where they feel safe and empowered to share.