Finding Forrester

Finding Forrester is an insightful film about the impact a positive role model and supportive environment can have on student’s ability to be successful. Jamal Wallace is a bright young man whose experience in the public education system has done little inspire him to apply himself anywhere but the basketball court. It isn’t until Jamal’s exceptional test scores catch the attention of a nearby private, preparatory high school that he finds himself in an environment where excelling academically won’t hurt his reputation.  

It is also his newfound friendship with an unlikely character, renowned author William Forrester, that helps to uncover his profound writing abilities and transform his outlook on being a successful student. Throughout the film, it is clear that Jamal is torn between focusing on his basketball future or deciding to concentrate on his academics and realize his potential as an aspiring author. Fortunately, with the support of his family, his personal academic ambition and bond with William, Jamal is able to achieve the best of both worlds; excelling academically and in basketball. 

Over the last few months, I have encountered several students in my classes who are not reaching their full potential because of exterior obstacles, such as maintaining a reputation or wanting to avoid seeming overly intelligent in front of their peers. For example, there is a student in my 1st period Math 1 class who is more concerned with impressing his classmates with his misbehavior and lack of focus than applying himself and succeeding academically. As an educator, it is frustrating to watch a student trade away his potential to thrive in exchange for an occasional laugh and label as “‘class clown”. It is especially disappointing when it is apparent that he has a natural ability to do math and has the possibility to lead the class in achievement, if he could only realize his potential and make the decision to excel.

On the other hand, as William Forrester did with Jamal, I have had the opportunity to make positive connections with some of my students, causing them to hold my class in higher regard and care more about their math education. As an educator, it is so satisfying to see a student come out of their shell and begin to take an interest in their studies, especially when the subject, such as math, doesn’t come easily to them. 

I am certain that the most rewarding part of my student teaching experience has been watching a student’s attitude toward math slowly but surely turn in a positive direction because of the relationship that we have built. It feels fantastic to know that I have been able to make an impact on a child’s life that could potentially change the course of their academic future, just as William did with Jamal (and in some respects, Jamal with William).

Resources

Finding Forrester [Photograph]. Retrieved April 12, 2014 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finding_Forrester

Scene from Finding Forrester [Photograph]. Retrieved April 12, 2014 from: http://www.sonymoviechannel.co.uk/programs/finding-forrester