@@JonatanCarmiOK Not true exactly. A clear example is the current president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. His determination to become president was not driven by his own interest to earn, but rather bu his interest to give back to the people vested by the law of his country. Although a president, he acknowledges who voted him into office and who he is to serve, the citizens of Mexico, and he makes sure to have that known by walking by their side (literally).
One of my favourite films, probably watched it like 5 times. The power of a good teacher is so underrated. I remember in school I was always getting suspended, I got kicked out of 3 different high schools. I was a very smart kid (A/B grade student) however I had a very bad attitude, I didn't care about anything because I felt no one cared about me. My mother was a single mum of 6 bc my dad passed away when I was 5, she worked real hard and didn't have time/energy to form a mother daughter relationship with me. I grew up not knowing how to express my feelings and without having anyone I could trust so I was often angry for no reason. This was until I met my maths teacher, a subject I always loved but bc I hated my previous maths teachers my love for the subject died. I was 15 got kicked out of advanced maths and sent to his class bc of my behaviour. He knew about me through my reputation of being a bad student however he was the first teacher that didn't prejudge me. He spoke to me with respect, he told me that in his class it is a fresh start, when I was angry I went to his office, he'll listen to me and he'll let me cry, when I felt sick he'll let me lay down on his couch in his office. He was the first person who I felt cared about me. My attitude changed drastically, I wasn't always angry anymore bc he allowed me to vent to him and express myself. I ended up getting a A* in that maths class. I'm still in contact with that teacher till this day, I never fail to tell him how much he changed my life
I was born and raised in East L.A. and I had a really bad start. But I had one special teacher who helped turn my life around. When I learned she had passed, I attended he funeral. For some reason I could not stop crying, I suppose because of what she represented to my life. She changed my life and I truly loved her on that last day.
I had a Ms. Gruwell in my life, and she changed my life for the better. Dedication and confidence in your students goes far. Thank you, Ms. Gruwell, and to all the amazing educators out there.
I also had a Miss G in my life... Miss Hoben. She got me through high school and even kept me in high school when they wanted to kick me out, she was there defending me.
Maria: "Ms. G, is there any way that we can read this book in spanish?" Erin: "Sure honey, how come" Maria: "Because my momma wants to read about the little girl that changed my life" My heart. 😭😭😭 this always hits me in the feels.
Maria's character in the movie was named Eva. I figured it out right then and there because I remember her reaction in the movie when she said "why didn't you tell me Anne Frank dies?". Nice to see the real life Erin Gruwell speak, reminds me of my tenth grade world history teacher, her enthusiasm and her ability to help us remember what we learned was impeccable, I still think about my former teacher almost 13 years later.
"Freedom Writers" is truly an amazing movie. I wish more teachers took this approach with their students. Erin Gruwell is truly a beautiful human being.
Watching your movie has touched me,both as a former teacher now working as a subject advisor and as a South African,who can relate to the lives of the children in the movie.I wish I could bring this change in other children's lives too.This is inspiring.Thank you,thank you,thank you.
I had a Ms. Erin Gruwell in my life. She was my English Teacher in High School. Even in college I still checked on her. She died 2 years ago because of cancer. I was devastated when I got the news. I miss her everyday. She inspired me to be a teacher. Hoping to be like her.
She took that job at 23! Extraordinary work. Long beach is my hood though. Def not what it was during tupacs era. its a great city with a rich culture.
This really hit me because I realized that I never had to go through any of this because my mom decided to be the one to make the change. She didnt graduate high school, didnt get a GED or go to college..she had two kids by 19 but she decided that we werent going to grow up in the city like she did..and she worked and she moved us out of the city and into the suburbs. I went to great schools, with great teachers. I never had to worry about gangs or being shot. My childhood wasnt perfect..no ones is. But it could have been so so much worse growing up in north philly.
*It's now 2019 and I'm so curious about those students whereabouts :(( Ms. G is so inspiring ♡ I recommend all people to watch Freedom Writers, it's spectacularly AMAZING 💜*
Erin is a notable alumna of Cal State University, Long Beach where she earned her M.A. in English Literature in 1994. In 2005, CSULB Alumni Association honored her as a Distinguished Alumna for the College of Education.
Erin did just an amazing job on how she teaches, she worked several jobs just for her students, this is what a very dedicated teacher is like, all in all, you are the most wonderful person I've ever read about, the movie has literally me in tears.
I would love to meet her in person, Freedom Writers has to be my favorite movie, for two specific reasons. One being it speaks to my soul and it inspires me to be the person I know I can be. Secondly because every time I see it, I always get emotional. it never fails. this lady made her mark in this world, and I love it.
I’m reading the book and have seen the movie. My advice? READ THE BOOK. The pages just out at me it feels like tears are on those pages. The students put their lives on there it’s great!
this made me cried so bad... being a good person doesn't necessary means anything or get to anything you desire, but a choice to just maybe, share the light on another life.
We watched “The Freedom Writers” in Health Class. I loved this movie, I would watch it again and again if I could. It is amazing to see Erin Gruwell in the flesh.
She's an awesome lady! Cute too! God bless her & I applaud her accomplishments with those children! I work with kids & it's an unrewarding job but when I speak to one of my kids who become adults & contact me, the rewards of the world are small compared to that!
Ok, I want to be an Spanish's teacher (that's my language) and she inspires me a lot! I really think that she's an amazing woman and this conference has to be more popular! She deserves it and the world too! She can inspire a lot of people for help others in different situations.
Her story should be told to everyone who would like to become a teacher. It's so important to know who your students are and not just give them a traditional and easy average teaching. She truly gives hope to a better way of teaching
Hello Erin. Searching after watching your movie many times, I am thrilled to see you here in TED as a real person. I love your story. My students and i have been inspired by your story. Thank you for being an amazing teacher!
Freedom writers is my favorite movie ever. this women reminds me of myself, when she talks i feel like she's reading my mind! I still remember how i felt related to the character since the first scene of the movie.. we both have this passion to help, change and make a difference because that what gives life a meaning. i really hope i can make that happen one day.
I recently watched the Movie....It was Awesome as to how Erin got int the heads of the young people...she cared...I wish there were teachers in my time that could've figured out how to help a child that didn't have the encouragement of Parents..More teachers should want to help every student..giving an extra effort..reguardless if they get paid for every step it takes to help them....
I'm watching a movie about Ms. Gruwell and the class in my Creative Writing class. It's incredible how much one person and one book can change so many lives!
See, its videos like this that allow me to hold out hope for humanity. Maybe there's a chance for us. Maybe we can do better. Despite all we go through, all we do to each other, stories like this make me believe we can rise above our petty differences, and carve a better future for all of us - together.
Que filme incrível... Sou pedagoga, e o trabalho dessa EXCELENTE professora me inspira e encoraja a ser e FAZER TODOS os dias o MELHOR por cada aluno quê cruzar o meu caminho. Parabéns, você realmente foi escolhida pra fazer a diferença na VIDA de seus alunos. Gratidão por compartilhar suas experiências conosco.
Erin, i think you are a very inspiring person! i´ve first seen the movie "the freedom writers" and i don´t know how much it really correspond to the real history of all of you, but in fact- it melt my heart. A lot more people should move like you and your students! This is amazing. Merci, for a woman like you being on earth.
I like the epics, Braveheart, Patriot, Patton, Ben Hur, Ten Commandants, etc. But Freedom Writers is by far my favorite story of all time. It changed the lives of so many students who started out with the odds against them, all of them. They began each day with a new teacher whom they knew could never understand their life situations. But, Erin Gruwell surprised each of them by placing her faith in hope and dedication to her craft. A supreme story with so many successes. I bought the cd and have watched so many times i memorized the script. This is also an epic story. Erin Gruwell is a very special person.
She is a courageous women! She sacrificed all she had to help change the lives of these children by giving them hope and meaning for living and pursuing an education. As for her husband, he should have been supporting her, oppose to being selfish and thinking of only himself. Why couldn't he get involved. In a marriage you support your spouse no matter what. For better or worse right. She made a bold step choosing these children. I have the up-most respect for this women. She is a legend!
My Erin Gruwell was Mrs Wright. Also like her my class got her for 2 years(3rd and 4th grade) and I remember we were so excited when she announced it. She sparked my love for storytelling. She would read to us at the end of homeroom everyday. Her favorite was The Polar Express. She would cry every single time and I never would listen to the full story just the end because of how emotional she would get so I knew it meant something to her. I was literally JUST thinking about this woman yesterday and I'm almost 98% sure she wouldn't remember me but to get the chance to tell her how much she meant to me and how she was really awesome at being a teacher would make my world. Two books that she did read frequently that always stuck with me that I did actually listen to were the 'The Girl with the Green Ribbon' and 'Miss Nelson is Missing' lol. Those two got me started on my love for reading
I just met one of the students today. I felt so bad for him I wanted to give him a hug. It was horrible do to the fact his father was in prison, his step dad beat his mom, he didn't want to go to the police or the doctor about the problem with his step dad pushing him off the balcony and him getting a rusty nail in his rib cage. I really wanted to say how sorry i am to him.
These are just 150 students who were able to change and overcome the bad hand they were dealt. There’s so many that don’t get that opportunity. They don’t get inspired or guided in the right direction.
Just amazing! if Erin were my teacher I could of made out of my stupid set of mind and change for the better....... Mrs.Erin thank you Now I know is not too late for me to make my change One of my HEROES in life.....
I am currently reading this book and I am so inspired I have been looking for any information on this class that I can find. This is such an inspiration.
I remember coming to the USA teachers wouldn't pay attention to me, but one day a teacher gave me a shot and I would always stand out from the class!!! miss you mrs grace
I had a teacher similar to ms. Gruwell... she was my 10th grade geometry teacher.. she really went the extra 10 miles to help out those students that needed help and never gave up... I and more than half of my classmates that had her we're angry upon learning that she got fired... we celebrated her a farewell party.. also, she came to our graduation and we we're all happy.
i have just finished watching the movie dedicated for you. (July 1st, 2018-Sunday-exactly ended at 3 am). Then i googled about you Erin. What you did was absolutely amazing and inspiring. You ran extra miles just for them to have a meaningful shift in their lives. You should come here to Malaysia to give a talk at our universities and schools.
