“EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL”

There is a certain standard that society expects in order to be great or successful. In my observation,
children who are good at Math or Science at a young age are expected to be future engineers or accountants.
Those who are good in sports can be successful professional athletes and those who are not participating in class
and have learning disabilities are most likely the ones who will be unsuccessful and achieve nothing in life.

This is an eye-opener for someone like me who is called to be in the teaching profession with the mission of
making sure that each child will have an opportunity to share their giftedness and uniqueness to the world. It is
important to have a deeper understanding of individual growth and differences because every child is special. After
watching the movie, I was affirmed of the importance of knowing the “context”. It is important to know where
everyone is coming from. To pay attention to the small and big details and to understand that each child has their
own needs and abilities in order to excel. Knowing the student’s context will help in adapting better teaching
strategies resulting in improved results.

There are a lot of factors that can be considered to help a child succeed in life. Relationships greatly affect how
they perceive themselves and what they become. The lack of good qualities such as patience, love, kindness,
knowledge of one's physical, intellectual, and emotional condition can make one feel unworthy and unwanted. A
child’s future is greatly influenced by their parents. The support and love from parents are crucial in the
confidence-building process since learning begins at home.

I also realize the importance of the “gift of presence” in the movie. As teachers, we are not only called to respond
to the needs of the students but we should also be open to responding to their greater needs if it arises. We need
to constantly ask ourselves, “How can we journey with them with love and compassion? How can we mold their
minds and their hearts?.” A teacher who does not only teach but inspires as well. There are instances that we need
to go the extra mile in order to assist and provide appropriate intervention for our students to become better or
become the best version of themselves.

As someone preparing to become a teacher, I have always thought of myself as someone who incorporates
different aspects and experiences into what I do. I enjoy studying those things that I find exciting and engaging. I
would encourage my students to speak out on their interests, concerns, ideas, and comments in my classroom. As
a teacher, I would try to find out what my students enjoy and feel is essential. I believe in the value of making
connections and hopefully to be someone who teaches more than what is in the syllabus. I know sooner or later I
will encounter a student like Ishaan. I hope when that day comes I will be able to apply my learning and I am more
than prepared to say “Welcome to my class! We will learn together.”