A lesson in identity for NY students

Adina Ruskin is a Spanish teacher at Mahopac High School in New York. To help her students better understand the benefits of communication and relationship-building, she introduced them to her sponsored child, Maria, and to the work of Plan USA.

"My students were stunned to learn that the child I sponsor, Maria Tomasa [Tomasa is Maria's middle name], lived in a home without running water and in a town with no postal system. We began the year with a unit on personal identity. As our final project, each student created and wrote a card to send to Maria Tomasa. They spoke of themselves and their interests, and asked Maria Tomasa questions about her life.

"I hope by doing this kind of project I have inspired some of my students to be more curious and compassionate. Young people really do make a difference in the world each day."

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