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Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

Freedom writer gives encouraging words

There are no limits to the impact a teacher can make on a student.

That was the message to Livingston Union Elementary School teachers Wednesday from "Freedom Writer" Manuel V. Scott, one of a group of students from Long Beach who rose from a life of violence under the guidance of his 11th-grade English teacher, Erin Gruwell.

"When you see me, you catch a glimpse of what can become of every child of the city of Livingston," Scott said. "One single act by a teacher can change the trajectory of an entire life."

Those familiar with the 2007 film "Freedom Writers," starring Hilary Swank, will know Scott as the character "Marcus."

Scott grew up in Long Beach with a father in prison, his mother disowned by her family for giving birth to him and an abusive stepfather.

He grew up at a time when the area was rife with crime and his best friend was brutally murdered in high school.

A sixth-grade teacher told Scott he would end up dead or in jail, but could never dream of graduating from high school.

He dropped out in his freshman year with a 0.6 grade point average and English-language skills so poor he was classified as an "English as a second language" student.

When he re-enrolled for school in his sophomore year, Gruwell lifted him up.

"For me, she parted the curtains and let the sun shine in," he said.

Scott told Livingston teachers that he spoke on behalf of all students in the district who might be struggling at home.

"I beg you to go back into this school year on fire, recognizing that regardless of a child's background, you can change his or her life," he said. "They might come from situations that are absolutely terrible -- worse than mine -- but what you do in your classroom can help them break the cycle. I'm living proof. You don't need a statistic."

Teachers at the meeting said they identified with Scott's message.

Music teachers Bonnie White and Stephen Reddy said they enjoyed hearing about how Gruwell used popular hip-hop songs as a vehicle to teach students about simile, metaphor, iambic pentameter.

"It was a way of her making a connection with them; she came from a different perspective," Reddy said.

White said the event helped her "gain a different perspective and rededicate myself to my students."

District Superintendent Henry Escobar surprised the district's employees by buying each of them a copy of Scott's autobiography.

Scott agreed to sign a copy for everyone.

Community leaders also attended the event. Merced County Superintendent of Schools Lee Andersen reflected on leadership.

"Everyone in this room is a leader in education and a leader for educational progress in Livingston," he said. "Please continue that leadership."

Livingston Mayor Daniel Varela said children will look to their teachers for guidance and a sense of home.

"Touch every child in their heart and in their mind, so they can be all that they are designed to be," he encouraged.

District administrators said Scott's story was an ideal way to reinvigorate school employees before classes start Monday.

"The reason he is here today is because of one particular teacher," Escobar said.

All 150 of the Freedom Writers went on to graduate from high school. Scott went on to earn two bachelor's degrees from UC Berkeley and a master's degree from Trinity International University.

Reporter Danielle Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.