Freedom Writers (4/9) Movie CLIP - I Am Home (2007) HD

Summary

A heartfelt reflection from a 14-year-old girl who faces the emotional and physical toll of homelessness. After her family is evicted, she struggles with feelings of hopelessness, wondering why she should bother with school or good grades. However, her perspective shifts when she reconnects with friends and returns to her English class, where her inspiring teacher, Mrs. Gruwell, offers a glimmer of hope. The classroom becomes a sanctuary, reminding her that even amid hardship, there is a sense of belonging and purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker recalls a traumatic experience during the summer, marked by a phone call that led to their family’s eviction.
• 😢 The speaker describes their mother crying and apologizing for not being able to prevent the eviction.
• 🏚️ The feeling of uncertainty is expressed when the speaker thinks they may have no home and laments not asking for a less expensive gift at Christmas.
• 🚪 The day of eviction arrives with a sheriff knocking on the door, marking the beginning of a difficult time.
• 😞 The speaker reflects on their mother having no family or financial support, leading to feelings of hopelessness.
• 🏫 The speaker questions the point of going to school or striving for good grades when facing homelessness.
• 🚍 On the way to school, the speaker feels self-conscious, thinking they’ll be judged for their appearance, including old clothes and shoes.
• 👫 Instead of being laughed at, the speaker is greeted by supportive friends, helping them feel somewhat better.
• 📚 The speaker’s English teacher from the previous year, Mrs. Gruwell, is remembered as a source of hope and inspiration.
• 📝 Entering Mrs. Gruwell's classroom, the speaker feels a sense of belonging and comfort, as though their problems are less significant in that moment.
• 🏠 The classroom represents a safe space, giving the speaker a sense of home amidst their challenges.

Q & A

Why does the narrator feel the summer was the worst of their life?

The narrator feels the summer was the worst because it started with a phone call from their mother, who was crying and begging for more time as they faced eviction from their home.

How does the narrator describe the emotional impact of the eviction?

The narrator describes the emotional impact as devastating, with their mother crying and apologizing repeatedly. The narrator feared they would have no home, feeling responsible for not asking for a less expensive gift at Christmas.

What event takes place the morning of the eviction?

The morning of the eviction, a sheriff knocks on the door to carry out the eviction process, which wakes the narrator up and intensifies the feeling of fear and uncertainty.

How does the narrator feel about their mother’s situation?

The narrator feels sadness and empathy for their mother, noting that she has no family to lean on and no money coming in. This contributes to the narrator’s feelings of hopelessness.

What internal conflict does the narrator experience about going to school?

The narrator feels conflicted about going to school, wondering why they should bother with school and grades if they are homeless. This reflects a sense of futility and despair.

How does the narrator react upon arriving at school?

Upon arriving at school, the narrator feels sick and self-conscious, thinking they would be ridiculed for wearing old clothes and not having a new haircut.

How do the narrator’s friends impact their mood?

The narrator is pleasantly surprised when greeted by friends from last year's English class, which helps lift their spirits and gives them a sense of connection and comfort.

What role does Mrs. Gruwell play in the narrator’s life?

Mrs. Gruwell, the narrator's English teacher from the previous year, is a source of hope and positivity. Her influence makes the narrator feel as if the struggles in life aren't as important when they are in her classroom.

What effect does returning to Mrs. Gruwell's class have on the narrator?

Returning to Mrs. Gruwell's class makes the narrator feel at home, as if the problems in life are not as significant anymore. It brings them a sense of relief and belonging.

What does the narrator reflect on while talking with friends about last year’s English class?

While talking with friends about last year’s English class and their trips, the narrator begins to feel better, realizing the positive impact the class had on them and how it helped them think about hope.