President Obama recently visited the Village Academy High School in Pomona, Calif., after watching a video students made as part of an English class. In the video, which went viral on YouTube, the students articulated the struggles of millions of Americans by making a video called, "Is Anybody Listening?" Some of the students have been evicted from their homes and some were worried about parents struggling with unemployment and economic stress. One student is worried that his little brothers may soon be homeless. Not only did the students get to meet the new president, but the video inspired the school to come together and organize so that those who were in a position to help could offer food, clothing and support to their classmates in need. Quotes "It's sad walking into your house 3 o'clock in the afternoon, coming from school, and seeing your mother just sitting there, at times wondering if she's still alive, because she's just sitting there, saying absolutely nothing, and I know what she's thinking. You know, and it's hard. It's very, very hard." - Victoria Gonzalez "We lived in the home for three years, and we lost it about almost a year ago, so we moved with our aunt. There are currently 12 of us in a one-room house, so do the math." - Student, Village Academy High School "Sometimes I wish I can come home and, you know, I wish the refrigerator was filled up, you know, sometimes? But then, also -- but then, I mean, it's hard for me, because I look at it and I see -- I mean, I want eat. I want to eat so bad. I just -- I'm really hungry sometimes, but then, you know, you can go out, 'OK, I have to feed my brothers. I have to feed my brothers, you know?'" Chris Schultz "If someone needs it, they can come to us and we can help them. We have an answer, instead of them just having to worry every day of, what are they going to do? Where are they going to sleep? What are they going to eat? So it's just about students helping each other." - Student, Village Academy High School Warm Up Questions 1. Do students in your school talk about their economic difficulties? Do you think there is an atmosphere of sharing, or are your peers more private about what is going on at home? 2. Why would students not want people to know if their parents lost their jobs or if there were money problems at home? Discussion Questions 1. What is your reaction to this video? 2. How is your school similar and different from this school? 3. What do you think of the student organization formed to help those in need? Do you think it will work? Why or why not? 4. Do you think the media attention and visit from President Obama will help these students? Additional Resources Transcript of this report Student Voices on the Economy President Obama Visits the School