Today was the first time I watched this classic movie Freedom Writers, inspired by the story
of a Teacher Erin Gruwell and her erratic teaching methods. I did not know that
the U.S. had a period filled with intense racism and “gang wars” amongst whites,
blacks, even Asians and Latinos. These things were happening around the time I
was born, and I felt fortunate I did not live in similar conditions of
the everyday “wars” of these teenagers.
Ms. Gruwell’s did what not all teachers do successfully to
their students: change behaviors and attitudes of all students to give
importance to education and give them a sense of having power and potential. I think
what set her apart from other teachers in her time is that she looked at them
not as hopeless cases, but as young people who had their own stories that
contributed to what they value in the present.
I commend Ms. Gruwell for her creative and effective methods, but I kind of felt bad for her ex-husband. I hope I get to balance my work and family when I become a professional.
Teaching is indeed one of the most noble and
underappreciated professions. Teaching is a profession where you really give up
a lot of time: time for yourself, time for your family, just to give time to
your students, and yet with little pay. For us, future therapists, the question
is, how far would you go to inspire your patients to value wellness? How
sensitive can you be to the different backgrounds of your future clients?
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