In the movie Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell is a brand new teacher in a school that has begun a voluntary integration program. She doesn't yet understand the dynamics of the students and their complex lives...but it doesn't take her long to figure it out, and when she does she decides that she wants to be the one to make a positive impact in their lives. She wants to show the students that people care about them and want to help them get an education. She doesn't have any cooperation from any of the other staff as they think that the students aren't worth their time or their effort. But Erin is determined. She takes on two other jobs so that she can buy the students books and supplies and she pretty much dedicates her life to her class. She figures out what makes them tick...what makes them happy, what makes them sad, what makes them motivated. She uses this to get past their initial arrogance and despite for her and reach their emotions to bring them all to a place of understanding and friendship throughout the entire group.
I thought Erin's story was incredibly inspiring and I think it really challenges us to not judge people just by how they look. She was able too see past the kids' colours and races and even past their attitudes and in doing so she was able to connect with them and change their lives for the better. So how amazing would it be if we all took the time to get to know people before judging them. I can't even imagine the impact we could have on the people around us if we could accept them for who they are as a person instead of looking only at their race, religion, clothing, social status, etc. Personally and as a leadership class I think that is something we should all strive for and it would be such an easy way to make a difference in our community and in our world, because who doesn't want to be accepted?
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