High School

I sit here, while watching Freedom Writters, and I think of how it is true reality. High school today is nothing like it was in the past. Everyday we go to school and run the risk of seeing, hearing, or being in a fight. I sit in class and hear all the language that the kids speak. How they treat the teachers who wake up everyday and say how can I better one of my students today. I see how they act and ask, "How can someone act like that?" But then I have to remind myself, every single kid has problems and conflicts of there own. Either its because they are in family gangs, or their parents beat eachother, or many other things that happen. But the thing that really grabs my heart, is that these kids are really crying out for help and attention. Watching Freedom Writters opens the audiences eyes to see how the life of kids in gangs live, what their life consists of and how they deal with it. These kids come to school and all they think about it how much longer they have to live. They view school as a waste of time because they think that its a miracle if they make it to 18. However, one thing that Erin does in the movie is the line game. I felt that this was one of the most important parts of the film. She asks the kids questions to which their responses are either step to the line or not. When she asked if the kids have been shot at, all of the kids stepped forward. When she asked if the kids had lost family or friends to gang violence the kids stayed at the line. I felt she did this to show the kids that they have more in common then the think, regardless of their gangs or skin color. High school is so different these days. I feel for the kids that come from violent backgrounds. I just wish that there were more ways to get to these kids. I truly believe that Erin did a fabulous job getting her point across to her kids. What a truly amazing women she is!!!!!! Thanks to all the teachers that truly care about their kids, who are willing to go above and beyond the 'call of duty'.