Photo: Today (2)
A middle school teacher from Oakland, California, nearly broughtHoda Kotbto tears while sharing his journey and the ways in which he has impacted his students.
DuringaTodayappearanceon Monday, Kotb spoke with educator Donovan Taylor Hall — a.k.a Mister Donovan — about his work at the Impact Academy, where he works with underprivileged students of color. The broadcaster, 56, became emotional when Hall revealed that hepreviously contemplated suicideduring his years as a college student.
“I feel weirdly safe that you’re on the planet now. I feel like one of those kids in your class is going to change the world just like you are, and I’m so glad you didn’t do it that day,” Hoda said while getting choked up as Hall began rubbing tears from his eyes. “And we just wanted to say thank you too for all the amazing things that you’re doing with kids.”
Through Hall’s work at Impact Academy, heteaches his middle schoolershow to cope with stress, how to show gratitude for others and how to love themselves. He additionally aims to allow his students to embrace a positive viewpoint.
“I’m trying to help kids feel and do better than they’ve done in the past,” he explained to Kotb. “I’m trying to help kids build positive relationships with themselves and trying to stop this cycle of disconnect that happens at this age.”
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Hall, who’s TikTok videos featuring clips from his class went viral, noted that he “wouldn’t be here without kids.” He added, “I feel like I want to do this work on a bigger scale.”
Rogers was best known for creating and hosting his namesake children’s show,Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The series, which ran from 1968 to 2001, aimed to educate its young viewers on a variety of important topics from treating others with kindness to caring for our neighbors.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
