11th-7: The freedom writers: We write to end an unspoken war.

I've finally watched "Freedom Writers". It is a much anticipated movie taken from the very same "Freedom Writers" that operates now in the United States of America.

I've read about the real Erin Gruwell. But let us put everything aside, and look at one thing: In real life, Ms. Erin Gruwell lost her husband (to a divorce), but she has her "kids", and she has a foundation ( a non corporate NGO foundation) to work with. She is no longer a teacher, but she has inspired many others to do similar feats in their lives as teachers.

Chup

Okay. So Malaysia have different issues of a different magnitude. The little part of the world that I used to live in, and will be living in; they have different issues where I will have to be observant, and tackle it, if my abilities and boundaries concur. The catch of this idea is simple; I start getting to these kids, I might end up having "no life". In every equation, there is always a price to pay. Some are higher, some are lower. The question is; how much do I have to pay for my work? At what costs? It is always a matter of equal payment. Some pay with time, some pay with effort, some are by miracles, some are by matter of consequence.

Let us look at this:
This, inevitably brings me to a reflection of Dr. Edwin's work. The details are blurry, fuzzy in my consciousness. But I've begun to see in a new perspective on what he wants us (as teachers to be) to be, and how we can go about it.

I've seen, read and heard alot; on this, on that, even on good Dr. Edwin himself. To put it simply, it is a miracle to be in his class. It is an intellectual solace. It is a sanctuary for English and teachers-to-be scholars in the making. Note there are two nouns. I intended that.

Back to Ms. Erin, and back to here;

I remember my first day in my foundation years back in the good old Maktab Perguruan Gaya (now known as Gaya Teachers Training Institute). I have received a short poem, from my Head of Language Department back then; Madam Evelyn Lee Fung Choy. It read as following:

A teacher teaches;
A good teacher explains
A great teacher demonstrates
A wonderful teacher inspires.

That, to a comparison to Ms. Erin, I hope in the near future I can develop a teacher persona like her too.

A silent toast to Ms. ERin for her inspirational work in this one crazy world. For a moment I have a call.

Change all the ifs to whens in this post.

That sounds more inspiring.