Journal 7 from Miguel

     The Hobart Shakespeareans was a very interesting documentary. It shows very well what one person willing to give it his call can do for a community or even just that small group of people. Rafe definitely goes into a lot of detail about how hard work can get you where you want to be. He does really well about showing these kids they can overcome the obstacles in front of them. When watching and seeing the school go under lockdown I thought back to places that I have lived before. 

     "Below grade level, unpredictable, he's dangerous". This is what Rafe is told about Alan Avila. I thought that hit a little close to home because I remember growing up in Florida, I was held back 4th grade. The "teacher" gave up on me early in the year. I knew the material I was just lazy I lived in a community of hispanics working minimum wage jobs picking fruit or doing construction work. Everything about the community was leading you to that eventual future. The following year we moved to Charlotte, NC where I met the first teacher that lit a fire under my behind. The first to say you know you can do something else. This push was really all I needed for a few years. I was born to immigrants from Mexico that didn't speak english. I related a lot to the video because I was also in ESL classes until the 5th grade. I still have issues with the english language at times. I think the thing that got to me the most was actually having someone saying the sky is the limit. I grew up in a household in which my parents didn't have an education higher than the 2nd grade saying life sucks get used to it, at least from my father. Some of that attitude which I still carry with me to this day. I actually am very glad someone told me to look at every option because there are things everyone is good at. I happened to get into computers , IT and mobile devices these days. 

     I think my goal for the rest of the year is to get promoted at work and straighten my school work out a little bit I have had a little trouble keeping up with everything on my plate. I know I will have ot sacrifice either a little more family time or a little more sleep. Neither of which I would like to do but you have to move yourself forward. Life is not handed to you.