This video, highlighting a commencement speech by Michelle Obama, would certainly inspire high school students. Her main message emphasizes that in the end, grades aren't the be-all end-all as far as doing well in life, or your career. Possessing the qualities mentioned - grit, determination, and serving one's community - is what really matters.
I feel this would inspire and encourage students, particularly those who don't have the best grades or are struggling in school. These students will know that they are not doomed to be failures in life, and that their academic scores are not the true measure of their worth or their character.
Conversely, students who are stronger academically will see that there are other qualities that are more important than perfect grades. The video promotes, overall, having a sense of character and speaks to larger life situations, which I also feel is perfect for high school students approaching the next phase of their lives.
This video covers a high school that offers different job training programs, all of which you don't need a college degree for. This would be first and foremost a great discussion piece for high schoolers. After watching the video, students can express their opinions. For example, "How do you feel about the statistics shared here?" and "What does this tell you about college versus going straight from high school to a job?"
It also will show students who are not sure if they want to go to college that there are other options for them, especially if they don't feel that college will be the right fit for them. At the end of the day, higher education isn't for everyone, and this video would show students that there is nothing wrong with that. However, it also illustrates that no matter what you decide to do, a plan is needed.
This video shows the authentic act of kindness of two high school students. Both football players, they decided to give some new clothes and shoes to a freshman student, Michael Todd, who was being bullied for wearing the same clothes every day. One of the students also acknowledged that he had laughed at Michael previously and subsequently apologized.
This video would be beneficial for high school students to view because for one, this is a true story. There is no preaching, no skits with actors. Two typical high school simply students went out of their way to do this. What is more, the fact that they were football players, traditionally the most popular in the high school social world, will show teens that it is not difficult to reach out to a peer who needs it. If they feel like they cannot right a wrong or stand up for someone because of what others might think, they are shown that it can be done, and a chain reaction of kindness from others will follow.
This video tells the stories of several instances of failure from people involved with the Honda company. It shows how people can fail many times, and yet they still become successful.
I feel this is a powerful story to show to students because it is important to not be so afraid of failing that one doesn't try. We should all be aware that failing is a part of life, and it does not make us failures! It simply means we are human. We can keep trying until we find a better way - that is in our nature.
I also want older students to know that failure is not the end of the world. In a way, showing them that everyone fails will hopefully de-stigmatize it for them, so they are not pressuring themselves to be perfect. As teenagers, they have a lot going on in their lives, and often, many obligations outside of school. Media like this will remind them that it is okay to be kind to themselves and of course, never give up.
This Pixar short film would be great to show to middle or high school students for a positive discussion about kindness and perception. In it, a teen at first seems inconsiderate, but then it is revealed that the older woman was mistaken. Through it all, the teenage boy does not say anything and remains courteous.
The video teaches us that we cannot judge someone based on their looks or demeanor. It also debunks a stereotype aimed at teens: that they are disrespectful or rude, especially according to the older generation (which is another stereotype: the senior citizen yelling about "kids today.")
Because it is a Pixar short, I think it would be a great gentle reminder that kindness is universal, and that it can show up in unexpected ways and in any age group. It also reflects joy because it speaks to everyone with a positive message, and adds humor to make it relatable.