Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Journal 9: From Paul Winters

The documentary of The Hobart Shakespearians made think about how important it is for all children to know someone cares about them. This creates a hope in them that they don’t even know to have in themselves yet. It was touching to know most of them don’t have the best home lives and for most of them going to school is the only way out. It is like on A House on Mango Street if they want out of their condition they are going to have to work hard and make it in life. It made feel inspired to go out and make a difference, many times we think we can’t make a difference we are just trying to make it in life ourselves but everyone can make a difference and all the little things aren’t even that little. This also made me think of how great it is to be an American and to have all the opportunity that is here that is looking us in the face. Also it makes me think of all the courageous men and women that have gotten us to where we are. The vietnam memorial scene really can touch all of as someone has sacrificed everything so we have the opportunity to live the lives we live. It also made me think about how most of the children are of different ethnicities and he wanted them to feel American and I think that is the American way, we are the melting pot of the world and that is what makes us great. For them to be told they have so much potential on a daily basis is great, we can only hope that they kindle that idea throughout their journey through school and don’t let anyone put out their flame of hope.
I could compare this to my elementary days, I was not very good and struggled with reading, writing, and especially math. I was in all the special programs. I was even told at one point I was going to never be able to have good speech and they had their speech coach working with me. I didn’t have a good self image of what I could be. I let all that speculation get on the inside, I thought they were the adults and they knew what was real. It wasn’t until 4th grade when I had a teacher that believed in me and talked about me going to college and  she told me I could excel and becoming something. She removed all those bad thoughts out and she took me from administrators speculating on holding me back to thinking about skipping a grade. I really owe it to her for helping me in such a critical time, I would not be the same person if it weren’t for her.

My goal for the next year is to keep above a 3.5 GPA. I used to never be a good student. As soon as I got to college I saw it all flash before me and I thought this is the time to make it happen. I think it isn’t all about the work or getting the good grades that matter so much as who I become in the process. That is what is going to carry on for the rest of my life and that is why I have set that goal for myself.

4 comments:

  1. I agree that it is important for kids to know someone cares about them and cares that they are learning. I think that was one of the most important parts of the film.

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  2. i think it is very important to make your students feel as though you care. it makes it very easy to learn from a teacher who wants to teach.

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  3. I think that is a really good goal for you! I think that you can do it!

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