Lamia Shapiro

Student development theory script

Intro:

Human beings are much like the diverse vegetation that covers all corners of this earth. From the planes
in the west, to the deserts of the Serengeti. From Siberia to the equator, plants find ways to thrive.
There are factors that decide if a plant is deemed an endangered species, or an invasive one. Weather
the sprouts take root to generations of plants that follow, or wither away before the start of the new
season, there is an ancient pattern that each plant must strictly adhere to, if it’s to continue the survival
of its species. 

PART 1!: 

<<<<The seed & the soil >>>>>>

[Birds pooping seeds]

The individual unit, stemming from a previous generation picked up and dropped off in a HUUUUUUUGE
field of other seeds. Sprouting along like the rest of them, our little seed is now in the diverse earth that
will shape its journey to full-fledged adulthood. 

[Storks leaving babies]

Like seeds, humans stem from older generations, brought into this life to proceed those who came
before them and usher in the generation that will come to follow. The kinds of seeds we become, we
don’t get to choose. But the journey we make, the sprouting we do, will define our environment in ways
long after our life span. 

The type of seed it is, is not important to our seeds story of success, at least not right now. So for the
sake of science and experts everywhere, we’ll just name our seeds as we meet them ———> 

This Magolda must overcome an insurmountable amount of challenges in order to become like the
Magolda’s before it. The most defining moment in this Magolda’s journey happens right here, in Mother
Earth. 

See this seed requires a fine balance of nutrients and vitamins. Some come from the sun, if Magolda can
withstand its heat. Others come from the soil that surrounds the roots. More, from the water that
comes from the habitat or, or lack thereof in arid climates. Sometimes animals, or insects, provide
Magnolia the energy needed to break dirt and make gains. But things like insecticides, or oil spills can
decide if Magolda prospers, or plumes. 

There are things in the environment that decide the way Magolda will grow. Magolda will look to
become like those that surround it, growing along paths that support. If an obstacle obstructs Magolda,
say a riverbank, or a heavily trafficked sidewalk, Magolda will slowly grow in the opposite direction,
because it learns that for survival, it must be impossible to thrive on sidewalks.  
PART 2:

<<<<<< Dissonance not disaster>>>>>>>

It’s not enough for some plants to be told, Hey! You shouldn’t grow here! Because some plants don’t
give a fuck, and no amount of weeding them will make this land yours. 

[venus fly trap]

So plants adapt. They evolve in ways that allow for different consumption of energy

[cacti]

Some know from a young age to say “STAY AWAY FROM ME” and make a home for themselves to
protect them from the perils around them.

[mushrooms]

Some plants not only thrive in dark and difficult climates, but they prefer it for the safety and comfort it
provides 

[Three Sisters]

And others, turn to a symbiotic relationship with other plants. The “three sisters” for example, comes
from the Native practice of planting beans, squash and corn together, to promote the biodiversity of
existence enhancing the survival of the individual, by growing alongside the many. 

Like plants, human beings develop differently depending on their environment and the biodiversity that
surrounds them. 

Some plants, like Orchids, require unique and tailored ways of care and feeding. Too much water can
easily cause root rot! The coral reefs however, couldn’t survive without the richness of the body of
water they grow in. Vines require scaffolding with rigid surfaces to cling to, and often suffocate their
fellow vegetation if not closely monitored. All in all, how a plant does, depends on the climate its
acclimated to, and if the climate wants it to grow there.

Here is where we get meta physiological:

In a 2018 study conducted by the furniture conglomerate Ikea, an experiment was done where two
groups of plants (yes, house plants) were given a series of insults and compliments. The study
discovered that the plants receiving the insults, “you look rotten, are you even alive” withered after a
month while their positive counterparts remained healthy. Like our old friend Magolda, what the
environment expected from the plant, determined its ability to thrive. 
PART 3!:

<<<<<<<<how one plant turns into a garden>>>>>>>>>>>

There are different components to how a plant grows. From the DNA, to the environment. Does it have
a caretaker? Did it fend for itself? There can be a million reasons that shape what a plant can become.
But what happens after a plant thrives? 

Thriving looks different for every plant. Some wish to be alone, while others are squishy and weaved
together. 

But every thriving plant has one thing in common: it adds to the betterment of planet earth. 

[Clips of things students need to develop around a sprouting plant]

Plants absorb gaseous pollutants like ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides, through their leaves
when up-taking carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. However, plants also collect dust, ash, pollen, and
other particulate matter that reduce the pollutants in the air and oceans. Trees, for example, reduce the
amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce
the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food,
protection, and homes for many birds and mammals. Trees create the oxygen that every living being
needs. Sprouting one seed into a tree, can impact the world beyond its own existence, just like
humanity. 

Raising students up, means setting humanity up to fight its own oxides and dioxides. Helping students
thrive results in better infrastructure, ridding life of disease through scientific discovery and educational
advancement. When students develop to be the best freaking plants they can be, everyone eats the fruit
they bare. 

[Scary climate change footage]

The consequences to humanity are devastating if we don’t foster positive growth in our youth. That
starts by checking the soil, providing the sun and the water and the warmth plants need. 

[Storm subsiding footage]

The care (and even compliments) we give to our garden will lead humanity to longterm sustainability in
the future.