This+I+Believe

__**Life is a Spiritual Struggle**__ I really like how Joseph used his boxing experiences to connect with his “at risk” students. For me, I like it when my teachers try to make connections with me because I feel that it makes them more personable. I think when teachers are more personable, it shows that they are more passionate about their job because they are taking the time to help their students. Joseph’s experience reminds me of a movie that I watched called The Freedom Writers. It was about a teacher who had the “at risk” kids, but found ways to connect with them and show the students that they have great potential. Even today, The Freedom Writers is one of my favorite movies. __**Admittance to a Better Life**__ I think that Michael’s story was inspiring because he showed me that you don’t have to come from the best conditions in order to be successful. Although Michael lived in the projects and participated in thug life, he was still able to turn his life around and make something of himself. I think sometimes people forget about the people who live in the projects. We tend to make accusations about the people who live there. For example, television shows portray people, who live in the projects, as gang member, drug addicts, etc. When we focus on these stereotypes, I think we tend to forget that while they may be gang members, drug addicts, and thugs, they probably still have dreams hopes, and aspirations. When we make accusations about people who live in the projects, I think it sends negative energy to the people who live there thus making them less motivated to try their best. __**This I Believe**__ I liked this article because I felt like it enforced that hard work can bring you success. Nona worked so hard in order to make a living and survive. Without knowing how to read or count, she had to work really hard in order to get where she is today. Along with learning things that you would normally learn at school, Nona also learned life lessons that would also help her be successful. She learned that life is hard but working hard will get you success in the end. I like that at the end of this article, the author talks about how she can do big math problems in her head and that she has a successful job in a fabric store.