Stand and Deliver

In the movie Stand and Deliver, Jaime Escalante is a new teacher at Garfield, a high school in the run-down area of East LA. At first, Mr. Escalante has trouble connecting with the students because his students are unmotivated and struggle academically. Regardless, Mr. Escalante sees potential in his class and sets a goal for his students to be able to take the AP Calculus test their senior year. Many of the teachers and other faculty staff members doubt the students but this only drives Mr. Escalante to prepare his students for the AP test even more. Once their senior year arrives, Mr. Escalante’s class takes the Calculus AP test. When the students receive excellent scores the college board accuses them of cheating. This upsets Mr. Escalante because he feels his class is being accused of cheating because of their race. This discrimination leads the class to retake the test which they pass once again.

I believe this movie does at good job at inspiring students to work hard and be successful. It shows how although you may face many struggles and people might doubt you, you can accomplish the things you set your mind to. I also think it inspires people because many are able to identify themselves with the students in the movie and their situations. For example, I personally do not think our school is as disadvantaged and deprived as Garfield High School is in the movie, but I do believe there are other schools that have access to greater resources which makes it easier for their students to succeed. Meanwhile students in communities like ours may not prevail, not because they don't have the potential, but because they do not receive the same help as others and they're unaware of the things they can accomplish.