Plan
of Action
I
enrolled in this course thinking the focus would be on children's literature. I
wanted to expand my repertoire of young adult novels. Instead, the class was
filled with philosophy and political science. That's the beauty about
literature, it's like a million different disciplines combined into one. Where
does one begin when the problems are bigger than any individual? In short, I
will take what I've learned from this class and teach. I can't make a
significant financial contribution to a charity, but I can spare a couple
dollars. I can't start a great organization, but I can sign petitions that give
aid to those in need. If I teach my friends, family, and students to care about
these issues, then perhaps enough small gestures will make a large impact. A large
scale change rarely happens overnight. Change is gradual and needs time. I wish
all the great minds could sit down and solve world's problems, but that is not
the reality. I've already made progress with my plan. I taught a lesson to my
seventh grade class that discussed working conditions in developing countries.
A girl asked, "why should we care. They aren't American workers."
After the lesson she changed her mind and perhaps her world view. The only way
problems like hostile work environments, border disputes, child soldiers, or
any global issue is to first be aware and understand the problems. A large
percentage of Americans either ignore or just don't realize what is happening
around the world. This is the age of
information. It's just plain sad that so many people don't know or don't care. If
I can spark some interest among my students, then perhaps they will go on to be
great leaders and innovators that solve the world's problems. You never know a
child's true potential. As an educator, I can have a tremendous impact on a
person's life. I can change the world through teaching tolerance and critical
thinking. I have a few decades of teaching ahead of me and that is how I plan
on leaving my mark on the world.
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