When I think back on the number of speeches I have listened to over the years, the one's that have lingered in my memory, are those where the student spoke from the heart. I remember:
- the 14 year old boy who spoke about the way people treat those with disabilities. His passion came from experience - his younger sister had Downs Syndrome
- the 12 year old girl who spoke about being grateful for what we have. Her passion came from a trip to Cambodia, where she witnessed the joy and pride of those Cambodian children who were lucky enough to attend school. They were grateful for what they had, yet by our standards, they had so little.
- the 11 year old boy who spoke about bullying. His passion came from experience - he had been a victim.
- the 12 year old girl who spoke about Nelson Mandela and apartheid. Her passion came from seeing how people were treated differently based on the colour of their skin when living in South Africa.
So far, I have been impressed with the topics that students choose (once they get over the shock of being allowed to choose, that is), and how easily they tune in to their personal passion. Their passion stems from a fire in their belly that lights them from the inside out, so that their faces and voices radiate the passion for all to see and hear. They are inspirational; not only in what they say, but in how they say it. In finding their passion, they have found their voice.
As an educator, I have learned to trust my instincts and to let go of my fear. I have also learned to trust in my students' ability to not only discover their passion, but to run with it. The bar has been raised. They may yet fall, and if they do, I will be there to pick them up and dust them off. Somehow, I can't see them falling...with freedom and passion, they will soar.
No comments:
Post a Comment