In The Freedom Writers Diary, how does Erin Gruwell influence her students?

In The Freedom Writers Diary, Mrs. Gruwell profoundly influenced her students.

Mrs. Gruwell influenced her students by inspiring them to value themselves. Throughout the book, many of the students did not believe that they were valuable, but rather saw themselves through their assigned labels of “problem students.”

However, Mrs. Gruwell challenged this belief by having her students read and relate to books that show how one individual can make a difference. Furthermore, Mrs. Gruwell encouraged her students to relate to (and even meet) heroic figures such as Miep Gies.

Lastly, Mrs. Gruwell encouraged her students to believe in themselves. By trusting her students and inciting their own appreciation for themselves, Mrs. Gruwell influenced her students. Many of her students went from being viewed as a “problem student” to a “star pupil.” As Mrs. Gruwell revealed:

“My once apathetic students seemed to transform themselves into scholars with a conscience.”