(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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Children are remarkable for their intelligence and ardor, for their curiosity, their intolerance of shams, the clarity and ruthlessness of their vision
-Aldous Huxley |
The Students of the University of Ruined Strawberries |
All of these students have lived through some sort of adversity. Not only have they persevered, but they also execute life with happiness and determination. Their intelligence, talents, and passions are vast. Their hope for peace and love in our society is palpable and their selflessness is inspirational. Regrettably, they are diminished into limiting stereotypes just by their circumstances. Please, let my former students do for you what they did for me: eradicate the stereotypes swimming through our minds and in the wavelengths of media and our society. This film is not Hollywood. It is not MTV. It is not “reality” television. This film is simply a teacher wanting to give a gift of proper education to her former students and giving the gift of a new perspective to the world.
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Eric
Eric is the truest light. His love for humanity is cosmic and his passion to make change in this world is igniting. Whenever I listen to Bob Dylan’s song, “Forever Young,” I get this image of Eric in my classroom, with his eyes closed, his smile taking up his whole face, singing along, “May you always know the truth and see the light surrounding you.” Eric is a true artist and he simply wants to attack this world with peace and love.
Major: Positive Vibrations
Chosen Professor: Damian Marley
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(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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Jacob
Jacob is incredibly passionate about his education. He has chased his dream with tenacity, where his maturity has shone, as he has made hard decisions to attain his goals. His circumstances have been difficult, yet his spirit is magnetic. He has this energy I wish I could put in a jar and give to the world. He is also fearless when it comes to making his dreams happen. He has very much inspired me in the art of taking risks and chasing dreams. However, my favorite aspect of Jacob is that he can make my face hurt from laughing so hard.
Major: undeclared
Chosen Professor: undeclared |
Jeton
Jeton has this incredible sincerity, along with genuine interest in caring for others. He is so intelligent, yet his humility is palpable. After knowing Jeton for years, I read his story in a piece that he had written. It haunted me for days. I was astounded at his nature with all that he has endured. Before he graduated, I tried to buy a piece of artwork from him, but he would not sell it to me. He gave it to me and it is reminiscent of all he has been through. To me it is a symbol of his noble character despite his impediments in his life. His piece sits smack in the middle of my mantel.
Major: Philanthropy
Chosen Professor: Invisible Childern Film Makers |
(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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Kristina
I remember a moment of driving south on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago on a Saturday morning, just feeling a weight about Kristina when she was a sophomore. The weight was a situation that she was battling, and how Kristina battled this “weight” through out her high school years, inspired me to battle the weights in my life. Her strength is stirring and her devotion is unwavering. I can honestly say she has been one of the biggest influences in my teaching career.
Major: Inner Development.Waging Peace
Chosen Professor: ITenzin Gyatso/The Dali Lama |
Kimberly
Kim’s family situation is difficult, yet she never complains. She is always smiling and has such a nurturing heart. She is in love with love and she dots her I's with hearts. I love her giving and selfless spirit. She is incredibly passionate about helping others through medicine. When I showed the documentary “Invisible Children” in class, it ignited her, and she changed her MySpace layout to promote the film. Kimberly is the epitome of altruism and despite all she has been through, her goal in life is helping others. I love her like a little sister.
Major: Medicine/Philanthropy/Photo-Journalism
Chosen Professor: Meeting and helping the "Invisible Childern," in addition to Eric Schlosser for journalism and Sebastiao Salgado for photography |
(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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Nye
His maturity is striking, as is his sense of humor. His quips in class would make me spill my coffee. He is drowning in talent, specifically when it comes to writing. After I read one of his short stories, I called his father and belabored Nye’s aptitude. If Nye doesn’t pursue writing, I feel like he would be robbing the general public of great literature. Yet, Nye’s humility, especially when it comes to writing, is astounding, and he is so eager to learn.
Major: Creative Writing
Chosen Professor: Chuck Palahnluk |
Sarah
When I was introduced to Sarah I immediately learned of her passion to eradicating racism. As I got to know Sarah and her story, I really wanted her for this film. Sarah’s story is very unique and her vigor for this film has inspired me a plethora of times when its enormity has weighed me. I know that Sarah’s story can help so many, if she is willing to share it. Sarah could change hundreds of thousands of teenagers’ lives and futures. She truly will be a voice for the voiceless in our society. After we discussed this film, she gave me a letter she had written to her friend who had passed away. In this letter she states how zealous she is for change in this world. I carry this letter with me everyday.
Major: Journalism
Chosen Professor: Eric Schlosser |
(photos taken by Rachel Bellande Erazo)
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(photos taken by Eric Sanchez)
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Wendy
Wendy is an artist with moxy. She possesses a tenacity that I think a lot of young women struggle to achieve. In addition, she is an amazingly talented artist and she has a lot to give our world. One day she asked me if I could hold onto her art portfolio. I looked at her work, and I was astounded. She is dripping with talent, and I have several of her pieces on my walls. Beyond her art, her story is incredible and her circumstance is with which something many teens and adults struggle. I truly admire Wendy’s honesty, talent, and positive force.
Major: Living Life as an Artist
Chosen Professor: Undeclared |
One Caveat: The students will by no means need to tell their stories, but through our travels and bonding, their stories might come out, and if they want them on film, then their stories could change and inspire the lives of thousands, as they have mine. |
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