Reason #28 Unforgettable moments of the heart - shared

On my way to school yesterday, the delay day, a friend called and said that I just had to watch the video he sent to me (at 3:30am).  He actually said I needed to stop what I was doing and watch it.  It was a case of “national security”.  Well, I was driving so I did not stop but told him I would watch it during my lunch instead of a Ted talk, my normal lunch entertainment and inspiration. He had me very curious, however, because his recommendations are always great so this higher-than-normal level of excitement meant something special.

If you read no farther, or do nothing else, watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJvEoLPLIg8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAJvEoLPLIg8&app=desktop

My French II classes were in the library which was nice on a delay day.  They were working on writing a response to “Is it possible to transform the lives of other people” which was to discuss life experiences in regard to the film "Les Choristes" we watched. I was super happy with the level of engagement and productivity, the levels of thought going into their reflections.  How awesome it is to have these conversations with students at the ages of 15 – 18!  I am so lucky!

The discussion of transformation has been a big one, both in my personal life and teaching. I have experienced a personal transformation that could be an entire other blog....maybe when I get to 365+. With my students, I have worked with some fabulous films about how community shapes people, how people can transform, and how people do have the power to impact others, for positive and negative. We talk about how we have power to shape our world. This is a theme important for all of us to consider frequently.

My French IV/V class came in and we had the little episode with Solange’s “Pas de français” conversation.  Immediately following that came the expected “Can we please have a day off?  Please?  S’il vous plait?” Well, I had already been process that idea considering we had a shorter-than-normal class and had the video recommendation in the back of my mind.  I gave in- so difficult to do, not really.

I then proceeded to put on the video my friend sent to me.  It has to be one of the most powerful videos I have ever seen and is EXACTLY what we have been discussing. This guy is living proof that we can transform the lives of others.  He transformed our hearts in 45 minutes.  Words can not express the power behind his message.  

Everyone needs to experience it for themselves. Everyone….often!

The fabulous thing was that this experience was shared. We all went through it together! We were all moved and touched and now have a different outlook on life, community, ourselves, the world! We will always remember that video, that moment in time we shared together….and the box of Kleenex!  Thanks Solange for sharing it with me!

Merci Alexis. Tu nous donnes un autre exemple de comment c’est possible de transformer la vie des autres personnes. J’ai de la chance que nous sommes amis. 
J’attends la prochaine vidéo avec impatience !   

This is why I teach !