roadtrip nation
TRANSCRIPT
Thomas Courtney
Chief People Person &
Institutional
Advancement Officer
Annie Mais
Education Product Manager,
Roadtrip Nation
“Let us think of education as the
means of developing our greatest
abilities, because in each of us there
is a private hope and dream which,
fulfilled, can be translated into benefit
for everyone and greater strength for
our Nation.”
- John F. Kennedy
When my students watched a video of Kyle Maynard, MMA Fighter/Wrestler/Owner, that had ‘No Excuses,’ they gained hope.
As the wrestler with disabilities said, “Find what that barrier is, and find a way to work around it.” A student that was homeless, with a mother in jail, was inspired by his words. As a result, he walked away from another student threatening him and making fun of his clothes. He quoted the message and said he was not going to let his behavior be his barrier and ruin his opportunity to go back to his neighborhood school, (and) become a police officer to make his family proud.
“Daily, Roadtrip Nation has inspired my
students. When they are frustrated with their
life and think they can never come out of this
behavior school, Roadtrip Nation’s inspirational
message makes them stop and think: “If
professionals can rise above their difficult
situations, then so can I.”
- St. Aloysius Teaching Staff
“When my students watched a video of Damon Dash, Hip-Hop Mogul, Roc-A-Fella Records, New York, NY. [sic] Damon Dash grew up in Harlem. His mother died when he was a teenager. He knew he had to take care of himself. He tries to follow the ‘Golden Rule’ by treating others as he wanted them to treat him.
My student was impressed that despite his mother dying like this student’s situation, Damon Dash was still able to do something with his. This student expressed (that) it gave them hope, and vision that they can also overcome the adverse circumstances in their own life.”
- St. Aloysius Teaching Staff
“When a class watched the Buddy LaRosa interview, owner of LaRosa's Inc. say, “You can't get wet unless you jump into the water. You have to go ahead and commit to something and try it,” a St. Aloysius student was inspired and said, “Cool, I’m going to do that when I get older, start a restaurant.”
Another student said, “Is that the real Buddy La Rosa? The one that started the pizza place?” He could not believe he was watching the man that created his favorite restaurant.
“My students were limited to believing they
would have jobs like their family members or
professional athletes. Roadtrip Nation has
allowed my students to explore careers that
they did not know existed, and to see people
of all backgrounds enter various fields.”
- St. Aloysius Teaching Staff
Aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. the curriculum connects student’s interests to real-world careers. Students are exposed to different pathways and stories by watching video interviews with successful Leaders. They can also complete an interview of their own with a local Leader who shares their interests.
When we use Roadtrip Nation with our weekly lesson plans, it begins a lot of discussions in the classroom. It also helps with character-building activities.” In addition, Roadtrip Nation can help teachers fulfill the goals of a transition statement in the IEP by showing students careers and vocational jobs for their future.”
- St. Aloysius Teaching Staff
Questions?
Thomas Courtney
St. Aloysius
Annie Mais
Roadtrip Nation