One of my best students, Carlos Jimenez, wrote a phenomenal poem about protesting stereotypes that I would like to share with you. (Carlos is the same student who scored the 2 runs in the city championship a few weeks back.) The reason I am most proud of this student is because he wasn't always strong academically. When he first came to high school he didn't speak a word of English and he wasn't motivated to do any work. Towards the end of his 2nd year he decided (on his own!) to turn himself around. Now, over a year later, he's one of the strongest 10th grade students we have, and he is incredibly prepared to go into the 11th grade. This is a poem he wrote for his English portfolio, and reading it makes me so proud of how much he has accomplished over the past few years. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
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The Truth About Stereotypes
By Carlos Jimenez
Yes I am Latino
But I am not lazy.
My schedule is long and busy
From 7:00 am to 9:00 pm doing different activities.
Yes I am Latino
But I am not illegal.
I can fly over the whole world during my vacation time.
Yes I am Latinio
But I do not smoke or drink.
I have a beautiful dream to be a baseball player
And I need to use my brain and body.
Yes I am Latino
But I do not cheat on wives or girlfriend.
I love my girlfriend and I only have eyes for her.
Yes I am Latino
But I am not machismo.
I respect the decisions of my partner like she respect mine.
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2 comments:
Poem is great, really makes the point.
The poem should be required reading in schools--heartfelt and well crafted. He's a young man who will make something of himself and should be proud of what he's done.
Beverly
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