While watching the video, I was reminded of the struggles students in poverty face on a daily basis. For many, school is a place where they are able to retrieve and retain the knowledge provided to them daily by their teachers and the school.

Given the lack of critical attention paid to issues of poverty, a harsh reality emerges when the school bell rings. Students are pulled down against the raging currents of their communities, and their survival becomes an uphill battle. Consequently, some get swept away, but many on to their driftwood of hope.

Every day the principal, teachers, and staff are eagerly awaiting to pull the child in from those currents. This vital process continues throughout their school career, until they’re able to learn the critical skills necessary to remove themselves from the rough currents, commonly referred to as their college and career aspirations. ~ Dr. J