# data[].attributes.body
I appreciate how the principals provided the students a safe place to ask questions & learn. These transnational students come from very different places and they need to feel they can ask questions about the culture/s of their new home. Many of them will be completely unfamiliar with concepts such as the separation of church and state. This will require an open mind and an attitude to learn from all parties. (Teachers should model this as the lead learner.) I’m wondering how we might use literature to have an even safer place for newcomers to learn about the various cultures that make up the US.

# data[].attributes.body
The stories of each immigrant is unique so as educators we must take care to not generalize but to get to know each students story. Also, we must be careful not to push our culture or ideas on them as the “correct” one or view theirs as “wrong”. Strength and choice is not going against your traditions and culture. They are being strong and courageous by honoring their culture in a place that does not share the same values.

# data[].attributes.body
My family has it so easy compared to these kids. I am so impressed by their hard work, struggles, and efforts to fit in to American society and culture.  They are heroes. I would love to find out where they are and what they are doing now.

There is so much that we can do as teachers to make these struggles a little easier, but it takes time, effort, and creativity.

# data[].attributes.body
What an amazing testament to the impact we have on our students and them on us.
How our circumstances can determine our futures. These were only three students in a small school. How many students do we have every day that need a little push towards success or an ear to hear their stories and listen with an open heart can make a difference. Will they just be another undocumented worker or a student with the whole world opened for them?

# data[].attributes.body
My take always:
1. The family dynamics for our immigrant youth is complex and will play a huge role on their school lives.
2. Sing Pi had already overcome so much with a 7 year journey to NYC. He said he was tired of learning languages. I bet! Knowing his story would be so valuable for his teachers.
3. Authentic audience for writing is key. I Ioved the Cafe held at the school.
4. Respecting other cultures as a teacher can be really tough. The teacher who told the Pakistani girl she was disappointed in her was hard to watch but understandable to some extent because individual choice is so American. But maybe respecting her family's wishes will be her choice?
5. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way for our youth. The Guatemalan boy had to go to low skilled work possibly to understand that he might not want to do that for life. That concept is cross cultural.
6. The young people really showed their ability to be accepting of one another. I see that in our school. The students are so open minded!

# data[].attributes.body
Our students have amazing, inspiring, and touching stories like the students in the movie. It is key for educators to hear our students stories. When we can understand our students realities at home, we can make connections with them and show appropriate empathy. Once our students know we care they will be ready to learn from us.

# data[].attributes.body
This has an AMAZING impact.
I found it interesting that the school had a social worker on site.
Their lives seems to be "on hold" until the formal process of applying for citizenship is complete.
It may be difficult to create a broad network of friends.
Immigrants bring their culture and religion with them; it may be difficult to continue as they assimilate into Western culture.
Cafe` Night was the culmination of their writing class. Composing their Struggle paper was very cathardic for each student...to tell their story at an event where everyone's story was shared was very eye opening to me. It was very respectful to all cultures represented.
It was surprising that each student went on to college as immigrants. American born students do not seem to take college as seriously as the students depicted in the documentary.
The parents had the difficult task of showing Brandon that if he doesn't want to continue in school, he can work...this must have broke their heart. Then to see at the end they gave him one more chance and the read he is DID graduate and IS going to college....SUCCESS!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
It is so important to build a relationship with your students and to have high expectations for them. I loved how Sing's teacher supported his learning. She encouraged him and didn't accept him not thinking his story didn't need to be shared. She was warm yet demanding not pitying him but allowing him to develop tools that would help him to succeed. I want to be a warm demander with high expectations yet realistic for my students. Encouraging yet demanding they live up to their potential.
.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I LEARN AMERICA Trailer | TIFF Next Wave 2014

# data[].attributes.body
What are your take aways?