WATCH: Teacher's songs instill confidence, self-esteem in students
Nik Knight is using the limited amount of time he has left this school year to leave a lasting impression on his second graders.
At Dunbar Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee, Knight uses music as motivation for his students.
Not only do the songs Knight writes boost the students' self-esteem, but it gets them eager to learn.
"If a child tells himself they're smart enough, enough times, eventually, they believe it," Knight told WHBQ.
Knight graduated from North Carolina A&T State University a few years ago and wanted to chose to teach at Dunbar Elementary, in a community that struggles with a lack of resources and a rise in violence.
"I'm also aware if you look around the neighborhood, there is a lack of resources, food, and healthcare and schools are underfunded," Knight said.
That's some of what's behind Knight's efforts to instill confidence in his students through empowering lyrics.
Watch the video above to hear some of the songs Knight uses with his students.