Thank God Its Friday (with TheElvin)
Fresh–faced, idealistic twenty–three–year–old Erin Gruwell is ready to take on the world as she steps inside Wilson High School for her first day of teaching. Her class, a diverse group of racially charged teenagers from different walks of life--African Americans, Latinos, Asians, juvenile delinquents, gang members, and underprivileged students from poor neighborhoods--hope for nothing more than to make it through the day. On the surface, the only thing they share is their hatred for each other and the understanding that they are simply being warehoused in the educational system until they are old enough to disappear. Despite her students’ obstinate refusal to participate during class, Erin tries various means to engage them on a daily basis. But then ghetto reality steps in to focus the picture. A racially motivated gang shooting witnessed by a Latina gang member in Erin’s class, and an ugly racial cartoon that Erin intercepts during class, become the most unwittingly dynamic teaching aids. They spark a transformation in the classroom, compel them to listen and force her to take off her idealistic blinders and take in the kids’ survival stories of their undeclared war on the streets. Erin begins to connect with them. She brings in music from the ‘Hood, and literature from another kind of ghetto, The Diary of Anne Frank, and with these simple tools she opens her students’ eyes to the experiences of those suffering intolerance throughout the world and the struggles of those outside their own communities. Knowing that every one of her students has a story to tell, Erin encourages them to keep a daily journal of their thoughts and experiences. After sharing their stories with one another, the students see their shared experience for the first time and open up to the idea that there are possibilities in life outside of making it to the age of eighteen.
From: Yahoo!Movies. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809280899/details
I just watched this movie with TheElvin today, at GV PS. Because resourceful TheElvin has free invites from the SMU movieclub membership. Something like that. I was reluctant at first, because my original purpose of going to school today- was to MUG! Gosh. Haha. So much for doing work in school. I ended up watching a movie instead. That totally translates into HIGH productivity. Gimme a pat on my back. Hurhur.
Anyway, although its a tried & tested movie with a done-to-death storyline, i still found it pretty inspiring and gripping. I was genuinely moved by their stories, and i cried so many times with them. I liked how the characters affected people without being melodramatic. Thank goodness, they managed to overcome the booby trap of being cliched. I loved Hillary Swank's performance. Great as usual. So it was good 2 hours spent in the theatre. A BIG THANK YOU to TheElvin!
Well, I wouldnt post much about my week, because it was just a blur of mundane chores, rushing for deadlines & doing last minute work. It has been an uneventful school week.
Meanwhile, Happy Birthday to KEXIN. My Module-cum-gym-buddy! Shes been my buddy in most of my classes. I really appreciate her sense of humour, which keeps me sane in class. :) Have a Sweet 20 girl!
Happy Birthday to JIAXIN, my NJ 1st-3-months-buddy-who-MIAed-after-the-A-lvls. hahah. At least i still have u on MSN. Have a good one! I'm still waiting for your letter in the mailbox!
Time flies. Please, I beg of you. Please, fast forward to 11 April. I'm running low. Low as in Laptop battery critical power stage.
