As I was doing homework for my School and Society class, I stumbled upon this video called "What Teachers Make." It's a poem written and performed by Taylor Mali. After watching I felt truly inspired to share my take on what I believe "teachers make."
Check out the original video here.
Teachers are the building blocks of society. They help shape children into who they are and who they want to be. Besides a child's guardian, a teacher is probably one of the most important foundations of a child's character. They are there for the student as they are growing and helping them find their own identity.
"I make parents see their children for who they are and who they can be." --Taylor Mali
Contrary to what many people believe, a person's socioeconomic background does not determine their future. A teacher that works hard to help their students succeed and tries everything they can to make a difference in their lives can help a student to overcome challenges they didn't think they were capable of. Unfortunately, many students that come from poor backgrounds do have a history of not doing well in school, but that is not their fate. Take a family friend of mine for example. When he was younger he was one brother of 5 children in a poor family that could barely afford enough food for the table. This did not stop him, though. With the help of teachers that inspired him, he was eventually able to get a job, raise money, and go to college. He now works for a high-end business and is making a living for himself. He did not give up and neither did his teachers. They had hope and expected nothing but the best. They played a crucial role in helping him to succeed. Teachers have more than just one job. Teachers are educators, role models, creators; they are the key part of helping children grow.
"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like a congressional medal of honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face." --Taylor Mali
So next time someone asks you "what do you make?" Tell them this: I make children learn, grow, excel, and surpass obstacles they never thought possible. I make a difference.
