The Jaemins
T-H-A-N-K-S
How To Build Interest…
I don’t know how to build interest in people in important things. I don’t know why. I can be a very good salesman when it comes to meaningless things, like making Will or Michelle use that Dealbreaker on someone else so I can win the Monopoly Deal Game, but when it comes to convincing people on important things I have trouble.
I always tell Michael how important it is to go to college. I took him to UCLA. Showed him my apartment today. I’m trying to show him how fun college is. But I know that I still haven’t gotten through to him yet. During my classroom presentations, I worry that its not getting through to the students either and that I’m just wasting my breath. The only time they seem to pay attention is when money is involved.
I quickly show them the chart on how much money you make coming out of college compared to high school and you notice everyones body language change a little bit. Eyes get wider, people sit up, you see a little more life in everyone. I hate this slide because I hate talking about money. I feel like money shouldn’t be the main objective but if its the only thing that entices everyone then I guess I have no choice. Thats how important money is to them, and probably rightfully so when you look at the hardships that all of their families are going through.
Sooner or later I guess I’m going to have to use this tactic on Michael. The money Michael!!! The money!!! These students need motivation. They don’t have parents like us Asian kids who see a B as a failing grade. But is this the right method. I don’t know. Time will tell. Except these kids futures are at stake. Whatever it takes I guess.
I was watching the news about this principal who came into a high school that had like 15% graduation rate. Kids did not want to go there because they had high crime rates at the school too. But after 9 years, they have 95% graduation rate. They now do better than the other high schools with a lot of white kids. He did that through motivating the kids- showing them that the teachers really do care about them. One teacher said that the kids know when they genuinely want to help them. Also, this one phone company’s CEO decided to help them out by offering them free cell phones and lab tops to those who reached honor roll 3.5 gpa or higher. but they would have to give them up if they did not meet that.
Maybe if you find a way to motivate him. Maybe he wants to go somewhere that he’s never been able to go? etc. etc. But Jaems, I’m sure you are a great motivation just through your actions too. I’m sure one day, he’ll realize how genuinely you care for him.
Hope this helps!
1) From here on out, I will save all my dealbreakers to use solely on you. I promise -_-.
2) “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” – Carl Jung
3) “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’” – Dan Rather
Just keep praying, just keep trying jaemjaems
I think it means so much to begin with that you want to be a teacher who cares, who really impacts.
Hope you’re enjoying yourself at home!
P.S. Did you ever take Geo 5?
youre good at convincing people to veto my trades… bastard…