The Freedom Writers Diary

This Freedom Writer describes visiting Wilson High School after many years. She is part of the jury of the Freedom Writers scholarship, meant to help students who deal with similar problems of violence, poverty, and illegal immigration status that the Freedom Writers experienced. When she and a fellow Freedom Writer visit Room 203, they are disappointed to note that it looks sterile and unwelcoming, but she feels a mix of nostalgic pain and joy as she reflects on her own time there. She remembers trying to follow the students’ “Electric Slide” dance from the sidelines, but failing, like Ms. Gruwell, to learn all the steps.

When the two Freedom Writers shut the classroom door, they walk to the meeting to decide who will receive the Freedom Writers scholarship and feel confident that they are giving back to their community. She then drives to the Freedom Writers Foundation, a central place where Freedom Writers can gather, think, and share together, finding comfort in each other’s presence as well as organizing events aimed at benefiting the entire community. She feels proud and lucky to know that these high school bonds are still as strong as ever. She also realizes that she is slowly finding her own place in this world, having transformed from an introverted teen to a successful educator herself.