What Kind of Yelp Review Would You Leave Your School?

27Dec
by Sanjay Sabarwal

I sometimes wonder how many stars my school would have received on Yelp if it existed almost thirty years ago. I imagine the following reviews.

“Typical Cliques. Jocks. Nerds. Minorities, all in their own group.” Another would read, “uncreative classes. Teacher just goes on and on.” Another review may have read, “I have been in this class for almost a year, and the teacher does not know my name still, and I have no friends here.” “Three words: Boring. Boring. Boring.” Average score: 2 stars.  

In junior high and most of high school, I felt like the other students knew things that I wasn’t aware or part of. I dreaded being called upon the rare times I was because usually my mind would go blank, my accent would thicken, making it hard for others to understand me. Yet, there were some bright spots. Teachers and classes that I looked forward to because I felt seen, heard, and most of all, challenged.

All those classes had one thing in common: creative teachers. I never knew quite what to expect when I entered their classrooms, but from the beginning, each teacher made it a point to greet all who entered. Not just a perfunctory greeting, but one that entailed them looking each student in the eyes, and saying more than two words. More than that, there was exploration of ideas rather than lectures. I still remember reading quotes in English class, and then being asked to write and then talk about them in class. I also remember the science class where we had to guess what liquids were inside a gift-wrapped box, based on the description given by our always enthusiastic teacher. Those moments felt more like a play than class because it required participation, and also we, the students, acted a bit like teachers as we explained to each other what we thought.

We learned not just from the teacher, but from each other, and really those three classes out several dozens is why my school even got two stars from me. Those sole bright spots got me through school, and amazingly, those teachers instilled me in curiosity, confidence, and the knowledge that I could contribute. Those people got me to get interested in writing, critical thinking, and built up my self-worth.

It can be even more of a challenge to inspire creativity in students or embrace your own creativity while trying to juggle academic requirements, testing, and other issues in the classroom. It may be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible, and accomplishing it can help to create a classroom environment that’s more motivational, interesting, and educational for both you and your students.

So, what would you Yelp about your school?

What do you think?
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Sanjay Sabarwal

Sanjay Sabarwal

Coming from a long history of participating in community service, Sanjay got involved in the legal field to continue his service to others. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in English and Political Science, Sanjay took a year off to do Americorps, where he taught English in Lexington, Kentucky at an underserved school. Sanjay has continued to display his passion for improving the lives of others throughout his professional career. He currently volunteers to speak at schools through the Youth Business Alliance Program and participates in giving out food to the homeless in Stanton, California with the Illumination Foundation. Sanjay truly believe that clients deserve to feel heard and taken care of and maintains this value throughout his work as an attorney. Sanjay Sabarwal focuses his practice in the areas of Employment Law, Family Law and Personal Injury Law. In addition to his current practice focus, Mr. Sabarwal has experience in Business Law, Wage Compensation, Partnership Disputes and Mediation. Mr. Sabarwal has been the Co-Owner and House Counsel for Ziba Beauty for the past 15 years, where he is familiar with all business and legal aspects of running a chain of 14 Store Locations. Mr. Sabarwal is a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association and Orange County Bar Association. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Youth Business Alliance, which connects entrepreneurs to speak at underserved schools in Los Angeles County. He is also a board member for the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sabarwal is admitted to practice at all California State Courts.

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