And Still We Rise (Post #2 pgs.134-268)

In this chunk of "And Still We Rise", Miles Corwin continues to document the lives of gifted students attending Crenshaw High School. He is able to describe the experiences of students first hand, as it's happening. Throughout the book, Corwin shadows both students and administration as they face obstacles head-on. As the book progresses, the audience learns more about the conflicts many seniors face and the obstacles they make it through, while maintaining their grades. Along with the students' lives being chronicled, Corwin discusses Affirmative Action and the effect it'll have on the students in the upcoming years since it's no longer in effect. Instead of merely giving his opinion on affirmative action, Miles Corwin gives plenty of quotes and statistics along with book titles and known political figures knowledgable about the issues. Within this chunk of the book, a character named Latisha is forced to relive a past that she doesnt necessarily want to address, which contains alot of heartache and pain, due to sexual abuse by her mom's boyfriend, and alcoholism in her earlier years. He also discusses Olivia being arrested, Toya leavin Crenshaw High, and Sabreen being denied of her emancipation. This book continues to make me, the reader, realize that problems in my life, which I consider so important, dont even compare to what these teenagers are faced with on a daily basis. This book is honestly making me reconsider just how fortunate I am, for just the simplest things, such as a nice bed to sleep in, or having a good relationship with both of my parents. As well as educating the audience about the teens' real life issues, Corwin sprinkles in historical content when discussing both affirmative actions and black people in Los Angeles.

Application:
Do you feel the first two sections of the book could possibly breakdown an "upperclass" person's negative perception of teens attending schools in the "ghetto"? Why or why not?

Clarification:
Why is affirmative action only really discussed as something to assist African American students? Doesn't it benefit any group or minorities?

And Still We Rise (Post #1 pgs.1-134)

The inspiring stories of twelve gifted students growing up in South Central is examined in "And Still We Rise", written by Miles Corwin. The book gives an in-depth look into the lives of the senior class of Crenshaw High School's Gifted Program. Within the first pages of the book, Miles Corwin takes the readers into Crenshaw High School, and it's wonderful gifted program that allows students to constantly challenge themselves and excel in school. Throughout the first chunk of the book, the audience is introduced to students with rough pasts. From Olivia's unfortunate childhood, to Toya's troublesome current state. Through each chapter another student, teacher, or character is introduced and is able to tell their stories. All of the characters know some sort of pain or struggle and are all brought together at Crenshaw High School, in Los Angeles, California. Through the use of imagery, many stories were told in such detail that the reader was able to visualize what was happening in the text Corwin's use of anecdotes told from the perspective of the students, allows his audience to connect with the book. Many of the students' stories all have one thing in common- life may be difficult, but their education keeps them going. The students telling their stories all have plans for the future, and college is a definate goal. At this point in the book, eight people have been introduced to the audience, and their stories have been both emotional, and suprising. Miles Corwin has definately gotten my attention, and I'm ready for more.

Discussion Questions:

Clarification: How exactly do students living in places known for violence, such as South Central, find comfort in "hitting the books"?

Application: How does a teacher's attitude affect a classrooms learning? If teachers talk negatively about one another, do we feel that we can do the same?