Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.                    ~Margaret Mead        

Invisible Children came to Franklin Academy today. There was little to no hype beforehand from me. As a matter of fact, I was a bit apprehensive about their visit. Many of the students are very sheltered. What would parents say about showing their children a film about the effects of war in northern Uganda? Was I putting my job at risk?  What would students take away from the experience?     

To prepare my students, I showed them a music video by Fall Out Boy. (I'm Like a Lawyer Always Trying to Get You Off) The writing that came as a result was beautiful. They were hungry to hear more about it. The time for the presentation finally arrived. Almost 300 students crowded into the theater, in chairs and on the floor, not knowing what to expect. I introduced Jessica wondering if they would focus on the ring in her nose or the passion with which she talked about Invisible Children.

As I watched the movie with the students, every gun seemed magnified. Words like RAPE and MURDER screamed in my head. What was I thinking? Many of these kids don’t even know what rape is. One minute we were laughing with Tony, the film’s namesake, when showing his skill as a rapper. And then his mother DIED. Of AIDS. Have they even heard of AIDS? As the movie progressed, we fell in love with Nate from Raleigh only to find out he DIED in a BOMB blast when he went back to Uganda to visit his friend. Raleigh is right down the road. Did any of the students know Nate?  Is this a very wise thing to do my first year here? I tried to quiet my mind, but to no avail.

My number one goal as a teacher is to ignite a spark in students to take an interest in the world around them. I was instrumental in bringing some of that to them. Yet, throughout it I doubted myself. Wondering if I had done the right thing by bringing Invisible Children and thus, knowledge of conflict, war, and suffering to the students. I believe in the cause. Over the last six years, I have brought Invisible Children presentations to the schools I was connected to. I went to teach in northern Uganda through the organization. A Ugandan teacher lived with us for three weeks because of Invisible Children. The message of young people changing the world is a profound one; yet I found myself frightened for what it might mean for my job. Until I started listening to the students.

My seventh period class could not get over the fact that it was three 19 year-olds that started it all. Throughout the rest of the day students came to me talking about how they want to get involved and do something. Eighth graders, girls and boys alike, discussed the tears they shed as they watched the movie. It wasn’t the horror they focused on, but rather how they can change the world. They came away from it feeling not depressed, but empowered.

Their reaction has empowered me. I will continue to encourage those around me to TAKE ACTION when given the opportunity.