I am very proud of this nineteen year old African American girl who victoriously won the title The American Idol surpassing all her detractors and struggles in life. She is blessed with a vivacious voice, a voice to sing within her heart to reach out and be heard by those who also went through life struggles. Because of Fantasia's songs these people now have dreams, and because of Fantasia's inspiration they are going to pursue them.
This afternoon, I was watching my special ed class while they were focused quietly on their activity sheets, listening wholeheartedly to Fantasia songs from my CD player. I was teary eyed because I am touched by her powerful voice and moved by her meaningful songs. This young girl, who is a struggling reader (and a school dropout) like my students, is able to be a bright star looked up by the whole world. Now my students dream of being successful too one day.
Here's my letter for her:
FANTASIA, I am just surprised at how you inspire my students with your lifestory and your songs. You see, my school here in Washington DC is an all African-American school, and in my special ed class I allow my students to listen to your CD because your songs give them hope and motivation to go on and follow their dreams. YOU INSPIRE THEM! We talked about you again this afternoon and they would like to invite you to come and visit our school when you come by Washington DC. Our school is near the Smithsonian Museums and you can drop by while you're on your tour *wink*. We'd be very glad and honored if you can respond to this fan mail. YOU ROCK!
*******************************
FANTASIA'S LIFE CHALLENGES:
The Superficial Fantasia Barrino can't read
Paying for the hard bigotry of no expectations - baltimoresun.com
When an Idol can't read - 10/12/05
Fantasia Can't Read or Write - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
RELATED TOPICS: American Idol, Fantasia Barrino, education
14 comments:
hindi ako makapaniwala... pero ang galing parin niya, may talent at may achievement siya, despite being illiterate.
na-touch din ako sa story nya. magandang halimbawa sa mga students natin. sol, pagpumayag si fantasia na pumunta dyan sa school mo sabihan mo ako ha. makikigulo rin ako. hehe.
I didn't realize that you teach in an all African-American school. And on top of that it's a special ed class. You also rock, Teacher Sol. Let's hope she visits your school. And don't forget to share us the pictures, if she does.
nakaka aliw yung boses ni fantasia .sana sumikat pa siya lalo :)
KARS, yan ang true "Cinderella" story, di ba? Salamat sa pagdaan *wink*
ZARELLE, girl, di ko alam kung bakit nawala sa celfone ko ang number mo sa Maryland. Sige, invite ko lahat ng PTN members sa Maryland pag tumuloy talaga sya rito, hoping naman kami...
NICEHEART, mahirap mag adjust sa bagong kultura. Grabe, ilang balde ng luha ang naubos ko dito, syempre di ko pinapakita sa mga estudyante ko. Pero iba na ngayon, this is going to be my third year here and most of them show love and affection na rin sakin. Patience is a virtue nga naman...
J, she's a real shining star, kasi she inspires a lot of people most especially those who are struggling, they are hopeful now that one day they too are going to be successful, like Fantasia.
Peace, Maria. We may want to include this in our online newsletter.
Great story! Please invite me and my Coolidge students when she comes as I know she will.
Galingni Fantasia!!! Very inspiring nga ang buhay nya....
And so are you ! Mam! You make your students realize thre HOPE!
Kudos!!
Go on....
very inspiring story indeed! it shows how you really care about your students. im sure, when your students are a little bit older, they will realize how fortunate they were to have had a teacher like you!
sana makapunta talaga siya sa school ninyo and am sure sobrang matutuwa students mo. iba kasi talaga ang epekto that you get to see in person the person u look up to =)
I am not exactly a fan of her but I am somehow awed at her presence, watching her on TV. More than the voice, I guess she has a big heart. And that endears her to the people. It's true when you have gone through a lot of struggles, you become more human...and you somehow connect more to the people...and you have a deeper understanding of life
Paulo loves you.
~Paulo
FROM LITTLE MISS TEACHER (Thailand):
http://littlemissteacher.blogspot.com/2005/10/songs-for-teaching.html
Teacher Sol's blog also has a post about how she is using the song of American Idol winner, Fantasia, with her class.
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