Junior faces the saddest reality since his first day in high school. To begin with, this peculiar teenager is quite excited about school, even more than scared; however, this eagerness does not last for too much time. As the author stated, “But I am more happy than scared. And I know that the other kids are going to give me crap for being so excited about school. But I don't care.” Sherman A. (2007) p, 24. Junior is expecting a lot from this new beginning in high school, but he is very perceptive and starts to notice some inconveniences. For example, his careless teacher, who often “forgets to go to teach” and usually shows up wearing pajamas. His look and attitude do not inspire confidence for Junior. As stated “he doesn't ask too much of us. I mean, how can you expect your students to work hard if you show up in your pajamas and slippers?” Sherman A. (2007) p, 24. Another bleak discovering was the moment when Junior is given the geometry book only to find out a text “This book belongs to Agnes Adams” synonym of antiquity and poverty. Indeed, it was Junior's mother who wrote her name in the book meaning that this book is about thirty years older than the boy. taking into account that American Indian tribes preferred to have their own educational system in an attempt to protect their identity and culture, they did not have resources enough to maintain their schools in good condition. As the author stated "My school and my tribe are so poor and sad that we have to study from the same dang books our parents studied from. That is absolutely the saddest thing in the world. Sherman A." (2007) p, 25. In brief, Junior's dreams and hopes were brutally torn apart by his tribe's reality. however, do you think that was enough to stop him from pursuing his goals?
Hello, Beatriz! You got my attention with the question. Let me tell this: Junior faced as many objections as someone can think of it. Nevertheless, I was able to read the book and I know what's coming next. So, those objections were about Junior to give up. However, one of his professors positively encouraged him to look for something better than being envolved at the Rez. It was exactly what Junior was expecting to look forward. Anyway, I loved reading it. Keep it up, Beatriz!
ReplyDeleteThat is correct, and also the influence came from someone no one expected because Mr. P seemmed to be more distracted and careless but he did something great.
DeleteHello Beatriz! I like your blog and I think that education was one of the main problems in the Rez, since education on reservations is not very good, some children decided not to continue studying maybe because they don't feel motivated but that was not the case for Arnold, as we know he never gave up with that.
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