Educational Media Reviews Online

Sam Lee was a teacher at the Children’s Storefront in Harlem, New York. She taught there for several years over ten years ago. Ms. Lee decided to return to New York and checkup on a few of the students she helped mold. She locates Raymond, Lauren, Troy, Natkhia and Lizzie, now high school students.

Through candid conversations these students tell their former teacher about the challenges they have faced since leaving the Children’s Storefront. Poverty, the loss of a parent or grandparent, the need to feel wanted and accepted are some of the issues that have affected their lives. Raymond moved to Maryland but later returned to New York during the filming and Lizzie received a scholarship and attended high school in Massachusetts. At the end of the program, two out of the five has completed high school, one is entering college, two have been arrested and released and one is now a father.

After watching the film, viewers will ask the question, “Does growing up in an urban area have an adverse affect on a child’s success?” Children who attend schools located in urban areas are met with many challenges. Does that impede or facilitate their chance of success? I recommend this thought provoking film because it can be used as a mechanism of inspiration.