Be the Change.

After viewing the film, "Waiting for Superman" I was full of mix reactions. I felt guilty that I had the opportunity to attend a decent school and get a good education. But at the same time I was also very upset that these educational inequalities and failures in the school system are such great problems in desperate need of a Superhero's help. There can really not be enough help from a superhero that can be done to help completely because too many factors make up the established education systems. There are so many distinct districts in every state that make up their own rules and standards that are responsible for the education of many children. In my opinion, a reform in the education system is easier said than done. There will need to be much hard work and cooperation from a greater part of the heads in every education system. In order to help make a change it will need to start out small to try and work from inside the problem. Possible tutoring and mentoring for these students can be of much great help because just letting them know that someone cares about them and is concerned about their education can help start a chain reaction and make people aware of the importance of this problem.

While reading the "12 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself" article I kept telling myself, this makes so much sense. It is always easier to lie to oneself than it is to lie to others. A little motivation can go a long way. Simply by being more optimistic and looking at the cup half full instead of half empty can really help change ones' reactions toward the challenges that life puts in front of us. It is important that we can help the students of the Empowerment Pipeline realize these things too. They are students just like my peers and I, and just like us, if they believe in themselves, they can go to college. The idea of "I am not good enough for college" is very discouraging and encourages the students to not try to reach their full potential. Some of these students may feel lost in the system simply because they don't have the moral support that they may feel they should receive from their teachers or most importantly, their parents. Thus, through reaching out to the students in the Empowerment Pipeline I feel like we can make an impact in a students life, even if it's the slightest change of thought about "being good enough for college." Everyone and anyone can always benefit from honest motivation. So spread the word, because you never know; the slightest kind gesture can have a positive impact in someone's life.

Esperanza B. :)