ShawnaReading7

I found it interesting how Laycock described his whole job as a battle. Not many educators would be capable of teaching "at-risk" students or would even understand hoe difficult it may be. I want to be a teacher when I grow up, but I don't know if I would be able to go into my job feeling unsafe and threatened by my students. It takes a certain kind of person to be comfortable in those situations and I think Laycock does a great job. He finds ways to keep the students interested by teaching the subject of his martial arts throughout many different content areas. He would do anything he could to help his students successfully graduate and that makes him an excellent educator.
 * __Joseph Laycock__**

I think this is an incredible and inspirational story. Michael is living proof that anyone can change their life around to make it better no matter what situation they are in. It is never too late to get an education which is shown when Oatman goes back to school to further his poetic knowledge. This story reminds me of the activity we did in class with the statement about how education is about giving up something and gaining others. Oatman gave up his thug life and let go of his street survival skills to better his life with education. He has taught that no one should ever underestimate themselves because you can do great things when you put in the time and effort.
 * __Michael Oatman__**

I agree with Felicia that being smart can be defined differently for every person. There are many aspects that go into an education and there is no set rule for being considered an educated person. Her nona was brought up dirt poor, with no education, and was practically illiterate. One would stereotype her as being uneducated however she still worked hard to support her family and eventually left to better her own life. She traveled on her own to marry a guy she barely knew and changed her religion just to be later disowned by her mother. Her new faith led her to many opportunities and she learned how to do basic math and speak 5 different languages. She surely gave up some things, basically everything she had, to gain knowledge and become well educated.
 * __Felicia__**