Is Anybody Listening? A testament by Village Academy High School students on the economic crisis
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- čas přidán 15. 01. 2009
- A Dream Comes True! Students meet President Obama on March 19, 2009! In addition, see President Obama's reference to Village Academy in his first speech to the nation about education. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...
Follow up with KCET.org/socal beautiful tribute to this project!
This project sprang from discussions held in our Advanced Placement Literature and Composition class during the reading of F. Scott Fitzgeralds novel The Great Gatsby, says Mr. Steinman, AP Lit. teacher at Village Academy High School (Pomona Unified School District). They opened up, shared deeply touching details of their current travails, and felt compelled to share their sentiments with those who were in a position to not only listen to them, but implement policies in order to make things better for them and the country they love dearly. The sentiments expressed in this project are true, heartfelt and totally unscripted. Students sat themselves down, the camera began to roll, and the resulting footage is as true as it gets. Spoken with innocence, directly, and with the courage rarely seen by teenagers today, the video was totally edited by students and is meant as a means of expression by which positive action will hopefully be inspired to evolve.
My name is Oliver, from Hong Kong, China. I watched the ABC boardcast on HKTVB-Pearl Channel tonite and learned that you share this on youtube.
In HK, there are also many people like you losing their jobs, homes and struggling on the edge. However, we may have no home, but we still have families. We may have no jobs, but we still have the courage to live, the skills to survive. We may have not enough food, but we stills have our strong wills to make the world change. Make you days!
I'm very thankful to know that I go to a school that cares about each other and is willing to help one another. I am honored to be President of The Village Academy High School. This is a very heart felt video that will make you aware of what we as students are going through. We have to work together and help find a solution to this economic crisis.
This video screams of the sorrow felt by our children, they are all overwhelmed from the current financial crisis. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. Thank you for sharing your stories. Stay strong it will get better.
this has just aired on 20/20 in new zealand and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. when the bro said that the sun shines after the storm is testament to the human spirit, i wish all your dreams and aspirations come true. living so far away we're on really exposed to a glamourized america, one you see on tv and the e channel but never the truth. Much love coming out to you all,
aidan morrell
1b duke place
new plymouth 4310
taranaki
new zealand, aotearoa
This morning I will be grateful for the butter in my fridge and my piece of bread. I have been complaining about everything. You make me humble. And this teacher is a great one! School is becoming a safe place for the kids and government better understand it and support it if they can not support each family.
Thank you to the teachers who offered these children the opportunity to express their feelings. All too often they are ignored. Their great love for their parents is so clear. Can we nurture their love by finding practical ways to make their lives better? Can we find new ways to motivate those in power in the financial sector to find solutions? Yes, it is their duty to help since they have all the power. Does it have to happen to you or your relatives before you will do something about it!
Since I was 5 when my parents split up my family has struggled. I live with my mom and for the first time she is making 26000 a year and we are doing better. It is opposite for me. In this economically troubled time I'm doing better. And, I just want to say to all the students my age(18), I think it makes you stronger. We are defined through our struggles. Tough times make tough people. Hang in there and PRAY!!!
WOW! So moving...right in my backyard as I live in LA County. We need to keep the voice of Village Academy alive! I hope our President keeps listening...I hope he gets congress and the senate to listen...Prayers to you VAH...
This was one of the very best videos/reports down concerning this recession. You are to be applauded by your efforts and are very lucky to have a teacher like Steinman who encourages you and supports you.
In the depression my father was the sole support of his family of 7 and so I understand the struggle, but never thought we would be back to those days.
To the children at Village Academy, and any one who is feeling the effects of this recession... WE ARE LISTENING. I for one am volunteering, I am praying, and I am so thankful that our President has reached out to you. There IS hope, I promise all of you!
Hey, I just saw this video on 20/20 here in New Zealand. I just thought you guys were so brave to do this, to let people see how you really feel, to stand up and be the voice for the people.
I was homeless for about two years, and the reality of it is scary, but you can get through these tough times and come out on top, a stronger person.
Hold on. People ARE listening.
I heard this on Public Radio International BBC this afternoon at work. It's even more moving on video. Very powerful piece. Brought tears to my eyes. Hang in there & stay in school!
I too have struggled with money since my parents split up when i was 5. I'm 18 now. I've lived with my mom and she is now making more than ever at 26000 a year. It doesn't sound like much but at least we don't have to worry about the bills as much. These economically troubled times are actually the opposite for me. Now I want to say that there is hope. Tough times make tough people. We become stronger through our battles and I'm glad for them. Don't take anything for granted and PRAY!!!
My mom is going to lose her job too. She lost everything in the stock market. We are listening. we are with you in this. we are praying for you. Keep going to school. Keep fighting. One day YOUR GENERATION may be to turn this whole thing around!
My heart and prayers go out to those that have found themselves in this situation. Keep your heads up... many people hear you and understand. It's sad to see young people feel this way. But...things will work out and you will overcome. Our country is great and all will be OK once again. Love to you all.
Please hang in there, kids. There are many of us out here that hear you and you are in our prayers. Keep the faith and stay strong; we are all in this together and we will make it!!!
I know how you guys feel. I am finishing High School this year and I want to go on to University. But I cant, because my parents cant afford it. I am going straight from High School into work and that scares me, because we moved from South Africa to Australia to make a better life and now we are struggling. I am scared for my generation. Thank you for speaking up.
Mr. Steinman, I applaud you and your class for being so honest and real. God help us all.
Thank you, know people are listening. I only hope and pray that all of you and your families will emerge from this really bad situation strong and victorious. I really do believe that help is on the way to people who are struggling like your families and you will see better days ahead.
Great kids!! Wish there was something we could do. Special congratulations to Chris Schultz who did a terrific job on the Jim Leher News Hour on PBS.
It will work out Chris. No kid who cares so much for his family will fail in life. You're a winner.
I saw you on the ABC News tonight. Some of you sound like you might have to drop out of school. Please don't. Do whatever you have to do to accomplish the dreams you have. You guys are strong and brave and I believe you have the drive to do great things. Yes, people are listening.
i am an aussie and will be entering comp on Monday 3/23 for a trip to aus through KTLA News starting 5am.Call in guys you deserve it,if i win i will donate the holiday to one of you,Australia is a beautiful country you kids deserve a chance to see it-get a break from this heartbbreak.Good luck you really touched me with your story.
i watch this today at the 630 news on ABC. it touched my family's heart. May God Bless Everyone all in the world!
This just aired on 20/20 via sky news here in Sydney Australia where I live and go to school. I'd hear news of the economy everywhere i go,but we're lucky here. Its not even close to bad. There are jobs everywhere for those willing to work. So i was ignorant to it all.
I cant believe this is happening in USA. I cried and cried that good ,honest people could be doing so bad.
Especially to kids. Just like me.
I pray you all overcome this and land on your feet.
And Barack, mate,fix this. Now.
This video was so poignant and heartfelt. It literally brought me tears. I hope the President sees this and acts upon it, because this Depression is affecting our young people all over the country. They are our future and shouldn't have this burden placed upon them. In the meantime we need to continue to pray for our country and it's leaders.
i was impresed..
and obama commented on this vidio...
i heard it on speaches.
and presintations
you guys really made your voice be hear.
all around the world..
Hi im all the way from NEWZEALAND our nation seen ur video on t.v all i can say 2 you's are KIA KAHA which means BE STRONG in maori!!! I'm so sorry for what every1z going through its heartbreaking seeing this stuff going on in everyday society i wish i could help in everyway but my love goes out to you all
Thank you. I applaud your honesty and integrity. I know that you and your generation will overcome this devastation.
We're listening, praying, worrying. Many of us are in similar positions and many are waiting for the next shoe to drop. I'm lucky right now - I have a job, but there are problems where I work and I don't know what lies ahead. I am afraid too. I worry about the kids and the pets. It's all just too much.
It is very scary to know how widespread this problem is. I feel the pressure of it every day, and it hurts to see it affect kids who should be focusing on growing into their adulthood. Its a harsh reality they are learning very early. My hope is that they take something from what they are seeing and it will help them make better decisions for themselves and for this country. Good job VAHS! I hope Obama sees your work and hears you...
Your story touches my heart. Keep on fighting, keep on going, no one can take the will you have away from you. Times are tough, but you WILL get through this. May God Bless you.
Sending our love from Auckland, NZ. We're feeling your pain too XOXO
this is awesome, i hope that the economic situation gets better for all of you!
And thank you for speaking out for all of us, and getting this message to be hear by everyone!!!
And also ur professor is awesome i wish i had someone like him in my school, someone that encourages to do something that matters in ur life and others!!!
Beautiful video. My heart goes out to you all. Your bravery is astounding.
Just watched 20/20, had to watch this video.. you are all very strong and its wonderful that you are sharing your stories. Good luck in everything you do.
I am listening. You kids should have the time to be kids and not have to worry about adult things for just a little bit more. My thoughts and actions are with you all. Best of all things will come. Keep on having hope!
I know that things are much worst in america than things are here in new zealand, I admire all the strength and dignity all of you are showing, and i hope that things get better for you all over there, These words might not be much comfort to you, but keep in mind that things will get better, hang in there :)
Its very exciting to know YOUNG scholars are producing and taking action during these difficult times! Ganas is everything!
Viva Marco Antonio Firebaugh and the Democratic Party...
I just watched 20/20 and saw some of this video, I had to see the whole thing. These kids are our hopes, our dreams and our future. I was very moved by them and commend them on speaking out for their future. Lets hope Obama really makes a difference and we as a nation can come back from this, for our childrens sake.
If these young people have anything to do with it, then America's future is in good hands.
Thank you!
People are listening!
Although it might be of little help now, I believe that even bad things can lead to great achievements down the line. Many great entrepreneurs for example said many years after being layed off that they would have to thank their old boss for firing them.
My family was doing well and then lost a lot. In retrospect it helped me become who I am instead of turning into a spoiled brat.
In days like these people buying yachts or Porsches should be ashamed of themselves.
just aired in New Zealand via 20/20.. this video made me cry.. i hope it gets better..good luck
Great video. I believe that you will all succeed and shine. Times may be tough, but you all have heart and it shows. To see you kids going through this, makes me sad, but optimistically I know that these are life lessons and that you are going to be part of the solution. You are all bright, passionate, understanding people and I am sure that will carry through for you in your lives.
Saw this in New Zealand.. and made me cry
Good luck with everything xx
My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Jorge--Smile. Sonya--I care, Obama cares. Chris--You are a wonderful role model for your brothers. Do not let the failing economy rip your dreams away from you! You will be heard.
i watched this yesterday on TV and it almost made me cry
hang in there kids... we will all beat this crisis... let's all pray to god... prayers are powerful... god bless you all..
very moving.. my heart goes out to this community
The most amazing compelling video I have seen in a long time. It made me cry!
i understand there struggles, i guess we are all struggling. As a country maybe this will unite us.
i saw this on 20/20 it was so sad.
i told my class. i go to an all girls school. and we all cried.
Just saw this on 20/20 and it made me cry.
Your in my prayers, all of you.
this is a really impacting video. i was very teary.just saw this on the news. and it does relate to great gatsby because right now everyone wants that"american dream".
i just saw this on ABC's 20/20 and i was touched by the people who goes through this. i was also shocked that obama too has watched this video.
I AM LISTENING!
Im very lucky that my parents are in jobs that are sustainable today, however many of my friends are affected, and I live in a well-to-do community. Many are losing their houses that they've spent years of planning and work to make the American Dream, but cannot anymore. many of my friends have moved away. some have moved back to their country of origin.
You are great kids and my heart goes out to you - I hope real people come out because of this video and help you.
This was and is an amazing video! Hopefully this sends a message to the people out there. Great job VAHS!!
You go Kids! Auntie is rooting for all of you. Get those educations and don't let anything stop you including yourself!
I am listening; please stay in school.
Minerva
Obama mentioned you in his speech today! You got his attention kids, thank you and best wishes to all of you!
wow.... you guys are really brave for speaking out. Do not despair for the future however because that is still in oyur hands!
Good video!
I found it after watching the Friday's 20/20 special on 3/20/09 "Life on the Edge" Program. Keep up the good work!!
Very Moving and tragic...that so much has been wasted on fools war and that our country did not care about its own citizens for so long. Thank god we have a president who cares and is not brain dead like the last one- lets hope he has the time and the help to set this country back on the right track.
510 sending sum love !! keep your heads up .
I am listening.
Great video, kids, I wish you only the best.
yea same thank god i live in new zealand but its sad to see things like this happen i hope this ends soon
I'm watching this right now ! (:
& i'm with you guys on this .
I feel sad to see teenagers looking so desperate. There is hope. Kids, use your time together to brainstorm ways to raise money. Have weekly bake sales, car washes etc. Distribute that money to those in need in your class. Get info about social services. You can get foods stamps etc. There is a lot of assistance for kids under 18. Find out as much info as you can about the social services available to you. This is not the end of the world. Thank G-d you are not being killed.
very sad i live in nz we havent realy felt the crunch yet but i hope things clear up fou you guys
Hey,
I've seen a documetary about and your video on an german tv program...
it's sad to see that!
Good luck from GER!
Things use 2 b different at VAHS...but now students are really upset because of the economy affecting them...that is not good. We have got 2 do something about it!! and i agree with my friend Jackie.
-Patty
this made me cry...
Do you know what the Glass Steagal Act did? It was to cut down on the number of huge conglomerates, not give people a bunch of loans they can't afford. It was to encourage competition in the banking and insurance industries, since so many companies were merging and being bought out, eliminating competition and essentially creating monopolies. I want to note that in 1999, the Congress was MAJORITY REPUBLICAN, not Democrat.
Yes this is true, I just had to study this today in my Econ class.....but that one man expedited the process. However, one day we will get out of this it just takes time sometimes more than a year so lets not look of immediate results.
You can do it. I know it tough, but in years past when things were hard, there were people who found a way. There is a scientific study of how flies are put in a jar and screen over the top. They tried to fly out and after many tries over three days, they stop trying. The scientist then takes the cloth off and they stay there. But some fly out. We need to see what those flies did that was different. Be one of those that fly out. You can do it.
"every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction"---Sir Issac Newton.
Even though we are in an economic recession right now, things will get better and we will bounce back. Look at the Historical events of the Great Depression, or Causes of the Glorious Revolution in France.
The only problem preventing things from getting better is the fact that people never learn and allow history to repeat itself.
This video was and is amazing. When I saw it I was like WOW! Hopefully this gives the people out there a message...and let them know that change needs to happen....
Great job VAHS!!!
i just saw this on the news and looked it up :) GJ VMAC :, )
Very moving. Great life stories.
i saw this on the news and obama saw its better than any of my videos
Wow This Video Is so how do you say so insoiring and this just opens americas eyes ... good job VAHS!!
"debt is what's gonna kill America" my favorite part. i am a teenager as well and i feel it, not as strongly as these teens, my dad is lucky to have his job, but i do feel it.
I am listening...
Bravo. This was elegant and engaging.
I heard about your video when I watched 20/20, yes we are all humbled and made poor (but this is not what being really humble is more like degraded) YOU WILL MAKE IT
In a Wall Street business equation, there's no room for human suffering. How sad that this is what the nation's "best and the brightest" have created.
i saw this on the news had to watch it
docilover1
this brought tears to me when listening to these children, I have 3 grandchildren who's father does not participate or support them, their mom is the sole support. The economy has gone to hell in a handbasket and the children of america are suffering.the politicians should get off of Obama's back, this is not his fault and is trying to do more than Bush did. God Bless these children.
"It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning. "
Henry Ford
PLease educate yourself and understand our banking and monetary system.
To end and to prevent this type of suffering
The American people Need stand up together and abolish the Federal Reserve our childrens children has been in debt to the federal reserve sense 1920 and its just one big fait money shame
You want answers, for your people locally, and for all of America, and for the whole nation? I have the answers. But I am facing the same problems you are, no one is listening. I have been thinking and writing for years but because of the bad economy the agents and publishers are not reading the query letters so I cant get it out there. Yet, I have all the answers the world needs and if your class wants to see them I can email the book as an attachment today.
Exactly!
Very powerful video! That is great President Obama saw this video!
i say this on 20/20 a moment ago i am listening
i watching this on 20/20 rite now
i just saw this on tv.and im listening :)
I AM LISTENING AND IM WITH YOU
= )
i can't believe president Obama was listening and responsed to them. awsome!
President Obama mentioned this video in a speech!
wow i went to that school and know a couple people that came out in this video