The Physics of Serving Others

Hi, my name is Leiana Payawal. I am a teacher here in San Francisco. I just finished teaching in the Magis Summer Program at St. Ignatius College Preparatory with Mr. Abram Jackson, the Director or Magis who supported us  in this creative project of ours. 

As the 7th grade Physics teacher, I wanted to show my students that Physics was so much more than just mathematical formulas and theories. I wanted them to formulate a deeper understanding of the subject matter through applying its concepts to the world around them. 

One morning we were discussing Newton’s Laws, and it dawned on me that we could do a service project that would help them understand Newton’s 1st Law of Motion, which states that an object in motion will remain in motion until interrupted by an unbalanced force. We took that idea and decided to apply it to the idea of serving others in need. I explained to them that being a part of Magis means being a part of something greater, as Magis means “the more” in Latin. We discussed how they can be like that object that keeps moving by giving and serving others in need until an unbalanced force causes them to take a break or stop. The students loved the comparison and decided to do a service project in Physics class by brainstorming various ideas. They collectively proposed the idea of making birthday bags and cards, filling each with basic items like toothpaste, soap, mittens, tissues, hand sanitizer, and much more for those who are homeless. 

What moved me the most was to see my students who themselves come from financially difficult backgrounds be able to make a sacrifice to serve others who are like them or who are in even more need. I knew that their positive words of praise and birthday bag idea would spread hope for others and bring smiles to many. 

I continue to encourage my students to be that object in motion, to serve others, and understand that they have the capacity to appropriate change in our world. They are Magis. 

In photo: 7th grade students from the Magis summer program at St. Ignatius College Preparatory.