Gilligan's Island changed my life
In my first fourth grade year I ran full into the buzzsaw that is education. I was a happy child that loved school and thought I was a good student. Everyday I walked into classroom and I learned how to read and speak a language that was foreign to me. Growing up in a Spanish speaking home every thought, word and idea was in Spanish. Coming to school was an adventure, where I was an explorer. What is the teacher saying? What do they want me to do? How do I say… Everyday I navigated this new world with help in the form of pictures of action, vocabulary help and patience.
When fourth grade rolled around it was like being run over by a bus. Everything went from learning to read, to reading to learn. All my instructions were now written in paragraph form. There were no clues to help me navigate this new world. I went from being an explorer to just trying to survive each day at school. The happy child that loved coming to school slowly changed to the frustrated child that hated education.
Into my life walked Gilligan...
Who are we?
I see this all the time now when students face adversity and are overwhelmed, the whole child changes. School goes from a world of exploration to a minefield of frustrations. Being a teacher is not only about teaching content but also addressing that each student is on his or her own quest. Walking into a classroom is either about exploration or survival. Some students come to school with extra provisions for the quest, while others just with the shirt on their back.
Now I not only see with students, but I also see with teachers who are overwhelmed by technology. When the teacher that has been teaching for years without technology is now thrust into a new world where every kid has a computer doesn’t that feel like a child lost in translation?
"My name is Jorge" is about the transformation that comes from addressing the question - Who are we?
Testimonials
All I did was cry in your keynote. A therapy session indeed. 
Stay well my friend!!
Loved @mvsgbarcenas keynote. So much passion, relevance, and relationships. Bring the tissues. 
#EdTechTeam
@mvsgbarcenas Loved your speech this morning. Lots I can take back to my schools.
Amazing keynote from @mvsgbarcenas on empathy in the classroom at the @edtechteam summit in Staunton VA. The power of “I see myself in you.”
I talked to him at lunch and started crying again. Certainly did not expect such a life-shaking moment at a Google Summit. Feeling very inspired to be the bearded lady. 🙂
@mvsgbarcenas whoa!! That keynote man!! Thank you so much for everything you’ve encouraged me on. I’m ready and can’t wait to see how I can inspire many like you! #edtechteam
Honestly, the most powerful keynote EVER!!! Thank you, @mvsgbarcenas, for sharing your journey and inspiring us to make a difference. #EdTechTeam #ThisIsMe
@mvsgbarcenas George!! All the feels @edtechteam #highdesertsummit bringing truth and reflection to #EdTechTeam pretty sure over half the house if not all didn’t have dry eyes! #standingovation
Let’s be sure to ask kids what they are doing TODAY, & not always focusing on what they will be when they “grow up”. They matter NOW & can make an impact. Thanks @mvsgbarcenas #edtechteam #IMPACTtheFutureHUSD
When a room full of educators are brought to tears and give a standing ovation. Thank you 
@mvsgbarcenas #inspiration #everychildmatters
Thinking of my dear friend @mvsgbarcenas ....tears streaming down my face. George, I will forever be touched by the words you've shared to audiences all around this nation! You are AMAZING and your story INSPIRES!!
Thank you @mvsgbarcenas for reminding me that no matter how we struggle, it is about the journey and redefinition! We are our scars & bruises, they make us who we are. Such a powerful message! #edtechteam #WisdomWednesday
@mvsgbarcenas Your keynote this morning was truly an inspiration! What a great reminder that all kids have a story, and teachers can play such an important role in that story. Thanks for sharing yours! #inspired #edtechpeach