Cesar Chavez started his first fast to deter a violent reaction to the violence that was directed at the organizers. He believe this to be the only way to true change. Today we gave a presentation to the students Northern Light School in Oakland, CA in remembrance of his contribution to our people. I am proud to have such an inspirational example and can only hope to be a fraction of his stature.
Happy Birthday Cesar Chavez, Que Viva
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A Combination Presentation For Students And Teachers
I started 2013 with a combination of presentations to both students and teachers at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula, California. I not only had a chance to share with and encourage healthy choices with students but I also got to provide information on how to serve at-risk youth to educators. A beneficial way of creating a dialogue between the students and staff, not to mention that it cost the school less to sponsor both during the same visit. Under our current budget circumstances, every little bit helps.
I began with a presentation to the staff. The staff had been working towards building meaningful relationships with students in order to foster higher academics since school began in September. Most of my staff development for educators focuses on just that. It was an hour and a half seminar that was highly participatory. They laughed, interjected and shared throughout the presentation. After, I receive words from several teachers on how impactful and important this message serves.
The following day I spoke to the students. The school was broken up into two groups. First a 6th and 7th grade combination followed by the 8th graders. The presentations focused on making wise choices that will help pave the way towards a healthy future. Being it is a middle school, I believe it is important to make them aware that high school is right around the corner and it is the likely place where the pressures of drugs, violence, and promiscuity will confront them and their choices. The students listened attentively and absorb the words as if hungry for a healthy alternative. It was a very powerful moment that I believe will be lasting.
A Graduation to Remember
I have been providing staff development for educators, keynote presentations and student assemblies for well over 17 years. In this time, I have met wonderful leaders, seen beautiful parts of the country and experiences many memorable events. But, every once in awhile, I experience something that inspires me.
I was recently asked to give a graduation commencement presentation for the Monterey County Office of Education. I have done several of such presentations but quit honestly, I do not feel like this is my most comfortable platform. I often defer it to one of the other presenters in Homeboy Goes to Harvard Productions cadre. This time, I accepted.
The students graduating were from various alternative education schools. These were students who for one reason or another were placed there because they could not fit the norm of a traditional school. Some had attendance problems, behavior problems, came from broken homes or had substance abuse issues. Some were on probation, were teen mother and teen fathers, or in a gang and did better in an environment that was not so restricted. Over 100 students were in attendance and my job was to inspire them.
I understand the challenges that many of these students had to face. I too came from a similar background and felt an obligation to give some guidance and acknowledgment to their success. As I approached the podium to give my presentation, I looked to the students. They were sitting there, in their cap and gowns, anticipating the moment when their name would be called and they would cross the stage to receive their diploma. I can see the excitement and pride in their eyes. What could I say except simply, “Congratulations, you made it”. The parents and community began cheering so loud that the entire hall rumbled with their energy. The look on the students face was of sheer happiness, relief and amazement. They were graduating from high school regardless of all the obstacles and I was there to witness it.
Motivating Students
At a recent student assembly, I was asked by a student leader, “How do you motivate someone who is not motivated?” The student leader had been having a difficult time connecting with those who are different and truly wanted to make the effort. I found the question interesting since no more then a couple of months ago, I was asked a similar question but by a student trying to figure out how to stay motivated and in school. Although the questions differed in context, they were very much connected, as so many times motivation is key to success. My response was similar although different.
To the student trying to survive another day in school, I encouraged him to keep showing up. It is obvious by his attendance that there was something he was seeking even if he could not pin points it. The mere fact the he, out of all the students surrounding us, had the courage to ask such a questioned, proved that he wanted something more.
To the student who asked how to motivate the unmotivated, I informed him that every student is motivated. What may differ is the objective they are trying to achieve. They may not be involved in student council or cheer or even sports, but by the mere fact that they are showing up to school demonstrates that they are interested in something and that is motivation. The responsibility of the student leader at this point is to find what relevant activities will develop even more from the students they perceive as unmotivated.
“What Are You Going To Do For Me?”
After a recent staff development for educators, I was emailed by a teacher, who, while driving home from the conference, struggled with something I said. Although she was moved by my presentation, the question I raised, “What are you going to do for me?’’ continued to resonate in her thoughts. She could not help but want clarity thus she emailed me asking, ”What do you want me to do for you?”
The question I raised was meant to provoke the audience into thinking about how sometimes personal biases interfere with ones ability to provide service. I conduct my presentation completely dressed in my gang attire, the same attire I wore as a student. In doing so, it creates an uncomfortable feeling that in many cases is not acknowledged. There begins this underlined desire to remove what ever is creating this uncomfortable situation. In this case, me. Even during my keynote, I see the look of discomfort drawn on the faces of the audience. Hence, the question.
The answer is simple. As a child, I wanted to know if you were going to be down for me. In other words, I wanted to know if I had a teacher who truly cared about my potential and me or not. In most cases, that was apparent within the first few moments. I was either treat as a deviant or pitied as a displace child. Both disarmed me from any aspirations of achieving an education. The most effective teachers in my life were those who respected and accepted me. They had compassion and desired a greater understanding of my social conditions. Most importantly, they believed that I, or any child, could learn. They simply did their best to teach.
Welcoming In A New Year
2012 has begun and with that a new affirmation by Homeboy Goes to Harvard Productions to continue providing staff development for educators, parent presentations, school assemblies and motivational presentations for youth. Our goal remains, to raise awareness about issues such as gangs, drug addiction, self-esteem, and all the risks experienced by youth in their school and home communities. Change is not always easy to accomplish, but I believe that through the positive example of our presenters and the sharing our their stories, that we can influence a students to avoid risky behavior and continue their educational endeavors.
Happy New Year