America to Me Season 1 Episode 1 What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?
- TVMA
- August 26, 2018
- 58 min
-
6.9 (21)
In the first episode of America to Me, titled "What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?," viewers are introduced to the town of Oak Park, Illinois and its highly acclaimed high school, Oak Park and River Forest High School. The episode follows several students as they navigate the social and academic pressures of attending a school known for its diversity and academic excellence.
The first student viewers meet is Jada Buford, a black junior who feels as though she is constantly navigating two different worlds at her predominantly white school. Jada is a star athlete on the school's track team and dreams of attending college, but she worries about fitting in and having the same opportunities as her white classmates.
Next, viewers meet Grant Lee, a biracial freshman who has just transferred to Oak Park and River Forest High School from a predominantly black school in Chicago. Grant is excited to attend a school with more academic opportunities, but he worries about fitting in and making friends.
The episode also introduces viewers to Ke'Shawn Kumsa, a black senior who is the captain of the school's football team. Ke'Shawn hopes to play football in college, but he struggles with the pressure to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
Throughout the episode, viewers hear from various educators and administrators at the school, including superintendent Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams and principal Dr. Nathaniel Rouse. They discuss the school's commitment to diversity and academic excellence, as well as the challenges of achieving those goals.
Overall, "What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?" sets the stage for the rest of the season by introducing viewers to the students and educators who will be featured throughout. It highlights the complexities of attending a diverse high school and the unique challenges that come with that experience. Through the stories of Jada, Grant, Ke'Shawn, and others, viewers get a glimpse into the joys and struggles of adolescence in a multicultural environment.
