Here in New Zealand we have a native tree called a Kiwi Mangrove. Kiwi Mangroves grow in shallow water (harbours). The largest mangrove or manawa forests in New Zealand are located in Northland and in Auckland. According to many environmental experts, they are one of the toughest and strongest trees in the world because they can survive in really harsh (difficult) conditions.
For this activity you are asked to think of someone who is very tough and strong. They can be someone who you know personally or they can be a character that you have read about in a book, seen in a movie, or on a television show.
On your blog, tell us about this person. Who are they? Why are they, in your opinion, so strong and tough?
The charactor I chose was Marcus from the movie Freedom Writers. (I recommend you to watch Freedom writers)
Marcus's side of the story was really awakening and sad. Unfortunately back when he was around the age of 13 or 14, marcus was with his brother on a bench just talking, when suddenly a nightmare happened. Marcus heard a shot and didn’t possibly know that it had hit his brother. He looked to his right and saw his own little brother lying on his lap dead. Marcus just couldn’t get his life together after that tragedy that has happened to his brother.
He left his mother to live on her own, while he thought that being in a gang would be better to live his life, but he didn’t feel that living in the streets was his thing. He decided to listen and read books that Ms gruwell has motivated the students about. “Anne Frank” It looked like that it has really inspired a lot of students including Marcus and that's what changed his life from being in the street to being at home with his mum helping with the groceries and doing all sorts that sons should do at home. Another thing that I like about Marcus as a character was that even though he had a lot of things happening in his life, he knew how to be resilience.
I think there's a clear message in this movie stating not to be quick at judging your enemy just because he/she different, you might find out you have lots in common. I hope that teachers around the world will understand that no class is hopeless, that students go as far where teachers are willing to lead them
Kia Ora Rowana,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job with this movie summary. I have not yet seen the movie 'Freedom Writers' but I would love to, after reading your review. I am a big fan of Hilary Swank. What about you? She tends to act in movies where she needs to be a strong, lead character and fight injustice. It sounds like there is plenty of injustice in the movie and quite a bit of drama. I'm so sorry to read that Marcus must suffer through the death of his brother. That must have been so difficult for him. It's wonderful to read that he was able to rise above it and show resilience. I really admire anyone who has the inner strength to remain positive and motivated in the midst of challenging times. I also have a lot of respect for teachers who treat their students with respect and who have high expectations of them. I believe that all students are capable of realising their dreams and I certainly would do anything that I could to help that happen.
Do you have teachers at Tamaki College who are inspiring? I hope so!
We're really hoping that you will have time to join us on the SLJ again soon. Feel free to pop back anytime to blog with us. We'll be here!
Bye for now,
Rachel :)
P.S. I hope that you had a great New Year's celebration. Did you do anything special?