I don’t have that many fond memories from school, but I am so grateful for the learning experience I had in the eighth grade in my English class. Our teacher, Ms. Fernandez, was noticeably passionate about her students and hoped to impact them with her teachings, something that was rare at my school. I learned so many things that go beyond the textbook. She would play movies to the class that sent a positive message. One that I remember mostly was Freedom Writers. At a school that was occupied predominately by white kids, this film really opened our eyes to a different perspective. I left that class with a whole different outlook on society, teachers, the education system. Another film she had showed us was The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (I have never cried so much during a movie). We had learned the facts about the holocaust, but the film sort of gave us an inside look at the people who were affected; their feelings and emotions, what it was like from a child’s point of view. Seeing the hurt in the mother’s eyes when she realized her son was taken to the camp. The fear of the boys in the showers, never knowing what would happen next. It really makes you feel and become connected. That’s why I love films so much. When we were learning poetry, she took the class outside and we walked around campus all period, looking for inspiration. It allowed all of us to express ourselves creatively and to find what kind of things speak to us. Her unconventional way of teaching ended in her being let go. It’s a shame that rather than the education system grow and evolve, that they have what ever is breaking the mold removed. She did get a new job at a new school, and I hope there she is able to share the light, positivity, hope, and passion that she has instilled in me. And I hope more and more teachers are inspired to do the same.
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