Inspired by The Freedom Writers

I just returned from seeing the Freedom Writers movie (GO SEE IT!!)...an inspiring, eye-opening, spirit-lifting story of a young teacher (Erin Gruwell) in a high school in Long Beach, California, who empowered 150 students (labeled "unteachable, at-risk) to change their lives through writing (and ultimately to beat the odds and go on to graduate from high school and then to attend college). Living with/through racism, gang violence, intolerance and fear - these young people were able to discover themselves and discover hope for their future. Erin Gruwell remained enthusiastic, dedicated and determined through initial resistance from students, followed by many obstacles and resistance from fellow teachers. She knew that these young people had the potential to learn and to make it through high school - they just needed to be challenged and given the opportunity. And she was right!

As I work with young people, I share in Erie Gruwell's belief. Young people DO have potential, young people DO have hidden talents & abilities, and most of all, young people DO have hopes and dreams! And us adults DO have the power to guide and support them in reaching their fullest potential; in expressing their feelings and desires in a healthy manner; in fulfilling their dreams! It's easy to tell young people what to do; it's easy to get stressed out by the resistance some youth may display; it's easy to shut off our emotions when dealing with them, to close our eyes to whatever outside struggles and challenges these young people may be faced with that contribute to their lack of motivation and negative attitudes in school or other settings. After all, we have enough to deal with right? WRONG! We may be their only hope, we may be their safety net, their only inspiration - yes even through the resistance. Some young people, as observed in the beginning of Freedom Writers, may put up that facade, be resistant, or carry that negative attitude - for a multitude of reasons. Some may not receive support and nurturance from caregivers or other family members; some may have circumstances that left them feeling rejected, defeated, or angry; some simply don't know any different, that may be what they've always known.

In summary, this movie and true story, is testimony that the worst of circumstances cannot destroy an individual's inner desires, dreams, aspirations, hopes! We have it within ourselves to overcome those circumstances, and to make our dreams come true! And as Miep Gies (the Dutch woman who hid the Frank family) told the students in Ms. Gruwell's class, THEY ARE THE HERO'S!

My utmost respect and admiration to the young people - the Freedom Writers, and to Erin Gruwell - for believing in them - and never giving up or giving in!!