"I am What I Learn"

To encourage student engagement, the Department of Education launched the "I Am What I Learn" video contest in response to President Obama's challenge [September 8] to students by asking them to create videos describing the steps they will take to improve their education and the role education will play in fulfilling their dreams.

The following RYSS [Raul Yzaguirre School For Success] students age 13 and older were asked to create and upload their videos to YouTube. The general public will then vote on their favorites - to determine the finalists. These videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Secretary Duncan. The panel will select three winners, each of whom will receive a $1,000 prize. For more information, please go to "I Am What I Learn". [Please allow loading time, then click on media player to view video.]

Natali Guajardo, 7th Grade

Gustavo Rodriguez, 7th Grade

Adriana Loya, 7th Grade

Genaro Lopez, 7th Grade

Anyssa Saenz, 7th Grade

Ashley Alfaro, 7th Grade

Teresa Nava, 7th Grade

The following students were in the same class and under the age of 13. They were asked to participate as well to be a part of the script writing and movie making process. [Please allow loading time, then click on media player to view video.]

Francisco Gregorio, 7th Grade

Abraham Martinez, 7th Grade

Marvelin Martinez, 7th Grade

Adriana Mondragon, 7th Grade

Mirna Morales, 7th Grade

Jose Barrera, 7th Grade

Denorah Espinoza, 7th Grade

All 14 students were asked to write a composition [script] in response to "I am What I Learn", then read/recite their words in front of a video camera. The audio portion of each recording was extracted from its video, and the students searched and downloaded pictures from Publicdomainpictures.net to use for their movie. They then took their audio and pictures into XP Movie Maker ... first time for these students ... to begin the editing process of combining the audio with the visuals to produce a finished product [movie (slide show)]. It was mentioned to the students during this production phase that there were numerous professional movie editors doing the same to produce movies for public showing at theaters worldwide.

Note: to view the students' movies on YouTube, go to this website and search their usernames:

nguajardo1 [Natali Guajardo]
grodriguezful [Gustavo Rodriguez]
aloyaful [Adriana Loya]
lopez5519 [Genaro Lopez]
anyssasaenz96 [Anyssa Saenz]
ashleyalfaro932 [Ashley Alfaro]
mstnava [Teresa Nava]

Video information:

"This video is about why education is important to fulfilling my dreams and the steps I will take to make my dreams a reality. I'm in the 7th grade at Raul Yzaguirre School For Success in Houston, Texas. I used my voice and photos from Publicdomainpictures.net to make my movie."

Tom R. Chambers
Teacher, Technology Applications
Junior Academy
Raul Yzaguirre School For Success
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.