Teacher: Freddie Bermudez
Grade & Subject: 8th Grade Humanities
School: High Tech Middle Mesa
Students learned about different kinds of addictions and the effects they have on individuals. They gained an understanding on the struggles behind addiction; learning that addicts cannot be forced out of addiction, rather they can only try to understand them. In order to showcase their understanding, students created a billboard that showcased the dangers of Fentanyl and put it up in Barrio Logan; they wanted to make an impact in their community. Students also filmed a mini documentary where they interviewed three different people- an addict, a loved one of an addict, and a professional. Through the interview process, students gained a first-hand perspective on the tragic reality of addiction.
Teacher Reflection
As a teacher and someone who was affected by having a mother with an alcohol addiction, I found myself learning and growing with the students. It was beautiful to witness their socratic seminars and how important different perspectives are. I also believe it is very important that students lead the conversations so that a variety of voices are heard. It is crucial that community members and professionals joined this project. Alateen, the DEA, TURN Organization, Judge Tim Nader, and others were key components in our learning as a class.
—Freddie Bermudez
Student Reflection
Hearing that addiction was the main part of the project was mind blowing because addiction is an issue which is rarely discussed in schools. We discussed these addictions through socratic seminars as well as research papers that helped increase our level of understanding on the topics. Not only were these discussions helpful for the project, we also understood more about each other’s opinions and experiences. We knew we had
to spread the awareness about addictions so we planned to design a billboard. With the money raised in a walk-a-thon, we were able to get our billboard displayed in Barrio Logan for two months. Overall this project has made a huge mark on all of us. It was so moving, meaningful, and developing.
—Angel S.
Teacher: Freddie Bermudez
Grade & Subject: 8th Grade Humanities
School: High Tech Middle Mesa
Students learned about different kinds of addictions and the effects they have on individuals. They gained an understanding on the struggles behind addiction; learning that addicts cannot be forced out of addiction, rather they can only try to understand them. In order to showcase their understanding, students created a billboard that showcased the dangers of Fentanyl and put it up in Barrio Logan; they wanted to make an impact in their community. Students also filmed a mini documentary where they interviewed three different people- an addict, a loved one of an addict, and a professional. Through the interview process, students gained a first-hand perspective on the tragic reality of addiction.
Teacher Reflection
As a teacher and someone who was affected by having a mother with an alcohol addiction, I found myself learning and growing with the students. It was beautiful to witness their socratic seminars and how important different perspectives are. I also believe it is very important that students lead the conversations so that a variety of voices are heard. It is crucial that community members and professionals joined this project. Alateen, the DEA, TURN Organization, Judge Tim Nader, and others were key components in our learning as a class.
—Freddie Bermudez
Student Reflection
Hearing that addiction was the main part of the project was mind blowing because addiction is an issue which is rarely discussed in schools. We discussed these addictions through socratic seminars as well as research papers that helped increase our level of understanding on the topics. Not only were these discussions helpful for the project, we also understood more about each other’s opinions and experiences. We knew we had
to spread the awareness about addictions so we planned to design a billboard. With the money raised in a walk-a-thon, we were able to get our billboard displayed in Barrio Logan for two months. Overall this project has made a huge mark on all of us. It was so moving, meaningful, and developing.
—Angel S.
