By Gavin Lindahl
Contributing Writer
New York Times best-selling author LouAnne Johnson visited Bonaventure Monday to address students and faculty regarding the importance of student-teacher relations in the Walsh Amphitheater.
“If there’s no trust, there is no learning. It’s kind of common sense,” Johnson said.
Johnson began teaching as an intern in 1989, instructing a reading class to non-English speakers. At the onset of her teaching career, she found her students jaded by years of abandonment and disregard by former teachers.
Johnson delivered an optimistic message to her students.
“You choose the kind of person you are,” she said.
Johnson said her students grew from this idea, especially since they had never been praised by their previous educators.
“If you’ve been told you’re stupid for ten years, you’re probably going to think you’re stupid,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, It’s important to explain to students, especially those who have been given up on, that they can do anything they want no matter what they’ve been told. There are very few things you cannot do if you don’t try hard enough, she said.
“When students believe success is possible, they will try,” Johnson said.
This was one of the key points of her address.
When Johnson first started teaching, she gave all her students a fresh start and A’s in the gradebook. Johnson stresses how important it is for students to know as long as effort is put in, good results will be the end product. It’s also important for teachers to come in with no prior judgment.
According to Johnson, teaching is not something generic. One set of rules doesn’t work for everyone. Teaching needs to be something you revise and edit with each individual student. Johnson told the audience she would implement different activities for different students to help them learn.
Johnson’s address was not only informative, but also unexpectedly humorous.
To close out the address, Johnson donned a bandanna, fingerless gloves and a long sleeve flannel shirt. She assumed the role of Eddie Corazon, the main character in her novel, “Muchacho.”
Johnson, who is a decorated former member of the United States Marine Corps, published author and ground-breaking teacher, can also add actor to her résumé as the audience burst into applause when she ended her address. Although the performance was fun-spirited, it did paint a real-life image of what Johnson had touched on in her presentation.
The atmosphere during Johnson’s portrayal of Eddie turned dramatic as the audience focused in and hung on to her words. It was easy to see the character Johnson was trying to create. Eddie, a well-versed poet, is counted out by teachers, adults and himself. Johnson, in a witty way, drove her message home one last time on why it’s important to never brush someone off before giving them a chance.
Johnson’s address was enjoyable throughout and a great point of interest for anyone who wants to work with children or teenagers. Moreover, the content of her speech was a great learning experience for anyone who attended.
