Passion Project

Photo by Geraldine Rocha

After watching the Passion Project, it made me realized that I was not alone; my struggles where also other peoples struggles. During the course of the video I traveled in time, a flash back took me back to what once was. I too use to fear asking the teacher a question, as well as presenting or simply going up to the board. I was fearful because of a bad experience with a teacher. This flashback took me back to age 11. I voluntarily went up to the front of the class to do a math problem for my 5th grade teacher. The problem she gave me was to simplify a fraction. Fearfully I notified the teacher that I didn't know how to solve the problem. Ms. McCowen embarrassed me in front of the whole class; in addition she insulted my 4th grade teacher for not teaching me correctly (according to her). After that incident I never volunteered again. I became fearful of speaking to the teacher and in front of an entire class. After being humiliated in front of my 5th grade class by the teacher, I no longer wished to deal with teachers or other students. I became a silent person. An unseen person to the educational world. 

Our lives are meant for us to experiment with different situations. When we give ourselves a goal, different roads are given to us to take. At times we may take the wrong road but we are able to learn from our mistakes. Educational mistakes can be good it gives us different experiences in life. It also helps clarify what our passion really is. In the Passion Project I appreciated how one of the students said "community college is made for people to experiment." This was something I could really relate to. After going back to school in Fall 2010, I had no idea why I was going back. I had tried majoring in Business Administration in 2006, after two semesters at Devry it was clear that Business Administration was not for me. When I went back to school I decided to major in Criminal Justice and took a random class with it; Intro to Black & White Photography. Needless to say after a few weeks I notice Criminal Justice was not my thing, but I kept the photography class. Then on the following semester I majored in business (again). Probably because my mother insisted in me studying something that would take care of me financially. But after finishing that semester I realized why I stopped in the first place. My true passion is child education and photography or anything artsy. So now I am following my true passion without the interference of others opinions.

If teachers would relax a little more in class and became a little more social with their student’s, maybe their students wouldn't be scared to talk to them. After 3 years I have meet some awesome teachers to help me find myself; teacher that actually care about their students; while still following their passion and try to inspire others. One teacher will no longer be teaching at Chabot but he is still willing to help me advance in life/career. He has gave me connection with other teachers so that I too can explore the teaching world and decide what I wish to teach. He also helps me find places where I can display my photographs.

         Truly if one person can have such a relationship with a teacher its makes them feel more comfortable, thus making it easier to speak to them. Allowing the student to have a voice, having their opinions, thoughts, and concerns heard.

         If a person is willing to help out another person without anything in return the world would be a better place. I have had teachers in my life willing to help me out, I would love to do the same for teenagers. As a 25 years old female student I know how hard it is to find legitimate help. I know for a fact at that stage of life guidance is needed. Not just allowing them to choose their path at random. High school students must be given choices, when I say choices I don't mean between getting a job as soon as possible and/or going to school. Educators should spend a little more 1-on-1 with their students. If teachers would simply ask, what do you want to do with your life? or, what do you choose to be? there are more possible questions. But by even having a simple answer educators can show them how they can actually achieve it; can help them find an internship were they can have more clarity of that career. Thus creating them to view the endless possibilities they have to get educated. The most simple thing a person can do in their life is help another person. According to Web MD, "When we act on behalf of other people, research shows that they feel greater comfort, less stress" (Davis). I believe helping a struggling student counts as an act of kindness. But act times it seems teachers feel like it's such a hassle to help a student or to answer a simple question. When ever we have a question about a certain subject why must it be so difficult for a teacher to change their educational approach  Everyone learns differently. A hands on person will always have a difficult time in a class where the teacher relies on the student to read and under stand the material with nothing but hand outs. 

So, who are we to deny a student from dreaming? from creating? from believing in themselves? 

We are guiders it's time we all wake up from this selfish world, into a caring world. 


Photo by Geraldine Rocha