Freedom Writers Author Visits Middle School

February 11, 2022

After Ms. Macera’s 7th Grade ELA students watched Freedom Writers, she reached out to the author of the bestselling diary of the same title, Erin Gruwell. Ms. Macera had high hopes of Ms. Gruwell virtually visiting our Middle School students, and she agreed!

Via Zoom, Ms. Gruwell shared her remarkable experience teaching at-risk students and inspired our students to make a difference in the world. To many, Ms. Gruwell is a hero because, despite challenges, she was able to transform the lives of her students, which is something Ms. Macera said she aspires to do as well.

One of the texts that Ms. Macera’s classes studies, A Raisin in the Sun, is similar to Freedom Writers because the protagonists, like the students depicted in Ms. Gruwell’s diary and movie, prove that they can overcome obstacles to make their dreams come true.

Ms. Gruwell’s visit fits into the 7th Grade curriculum because A Raisin in the Sun reveals how a family inundated by poverty and discrimination finally reached a turning point that guided them toward brighter days. Ms. Gruwell had the strength and courage to show her students, who faced similar circumstances, that they could still change for the better and defy expectations.

Ms. Macera said, “The fact that Ms. Gruwell has graciously devoted her time to the students here at Collegium Charter School is simply incredible. I am hopeful that her story will lift the spirits of our students and prove to them that, no matter which hindrances they may face, they can accomplish so much with their brilliant talents.”