Finding an Inspiration

Today I am flying on a plane to the West Coast, and I am armed with my laptop and numerous downloaded photos for the next assignment I need to finish for a course. I had to research how to make a digital story since this material is new to me. As a digital immigrant, the world of multi-media is also new to me, so I have a significant learning curve. However, having programmed before, I am more than capable of deciphering any technology tools available.

Once I completed my research and became more comfortable with digital stories, I had to think of a topic for my students. As a business teacher, I could have chosen numerous topics about history related to finance, economics, etc. Instead, I thought of my own children and what would I like them to know. I read everyday how the younger generation of digital natives lack work ethic; are lost in setting their goals; and in fact, lack self confidence.

I saw some examples of the American Dream, and I thought of my ultimate hero, my father, who journeyed from Italy at the age of 16 in 1926. Then I thought about the countless immigrant families currently working hard in America in order to reach their goals of financial independence in a land of freedom and liberty. These families are driven to achieve, and it is this drive that becomes their focus and ultimately, their direction in life.

I chose the topic Entrepreneurship and the American Dream because I want my students to reflect upon someone they know that made this journey. Perhaps through this reflection the students will not only appreciate the hardships endured by their example, but also realize the American Dream is still very much alive; it just takes some focus and good old hard work to reach it. As a bonus for me, we will be visiting my only surviving uncle who made a similar journey. I cannot wait to show him the completed digital story recording his brother’s journey, long ago.

View my digital story at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Ud_aytFLk