What Facing History Means to Me
The Facing History and Ourselves class means a lot to me. I was given the opportunity to find out who I am as a person. No other class has even given me that privilege, and I definitely wanted to accept the offer. Watching atrocities play out on screen every day had an effect on me. You don’t watch these movies and just say “oh that was sad” and move on. How can you? These movies are life changing. They make you reflect and evaluate yourself. I asked myself after every movie, what would I do? I realized somewhat early on that I wanted to be somebody who was never a bystander and always one to take action. The bystanders in life, in my opinion, are almost the same thing as the perpetrator, because what you don’t stop, you prolong.
Watching these movies made me realize that I owe it to myself and society to be the best person I can be. That means being someone who will better not only themselves, but the world we live in. We have the power of voice, and cannot let that powerful tool go to waste or be used for injustices. When we watched “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” I couldn’t control myself. The movie took such a toll on me. It was mentally and emotionally draining to think about. I think what upset me so much was the fact that two little boys were able to form such a simple, yet beautiful bond. I couldn’t fathom how eight year olds could see past their differences and form a friendship built on respect and consideration, when adults weren’t doing so. It became a question of not being incompetent, just unwilling. Those little boys taught a powerful lesson though. We are all part of society and everyone deserves to be treated in a humane way. The Holocaust continues to be considered the worst genocide ever, rightfully so. All of the basic principles we learn as people were thrown out. I will never understand this evil, because I don’t think you can. The participation of thousands is truly sickening and shocking, but equally disturbing is the fact that millions were witnesses and didn’t take action.
Facing History taught me the value of one person. See, before, I was afraid to admit that I think one person can change things. I thought people would think that idea was stupid. But I learned that’s the farthest thing from the true. When we watched the movie on the “Warsaw Ghetto Rebellion” we witnessed one man making his mark on history. Mordecai was able to give thousands of people hope, and prove some form of justice for even more. One man motivated many to unite and fight back. He gave people courage, and a voice. I feel like making an effort is automatically a success. I would rather go down swinging than not swing at all. It might be one smile, holding the door open in the morning, lending a hand, or buying someone coffee, you never know what’s going to make someone’s day. This mentality has really renewed my outlook on life. This realization actually helped me decide where I am going to college next year. I am going to attend Elon University in North Carolina, to study community service, non-profit studies, and leadership. They have given me the Elon Experience Grant to fund my own organization or service project/trip. Before this class, I would have been too scared to take the risk. I would have chickened out and picked the safe option. Now, I am sure I want to dedicate my life to service. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.
When we were watching the “What About Now” clip in class, I felt like my life flashed before my eyes. I saw what could be for me, and how to be that difference. I saw a glimpse of hope and a brighter future. This class taught me that we cannot change our past, but we can improve from it. I want to be a part of that process.
Facing History benefited me as a person because it made me more cognizant of every choice I make. See, the Nazi’s made a choice to be evil and commit genocide. In “Sophie’s Choice” Sophie had to choose between her son and daughter. Having the ability to make choices is both a blessing and a burden. It’s a blessing because the freedom of choice is more powerful than almost anything else, but a burden because each decision you make can have an effect. I recognize more so now that my choice not only affects me, it affects other people too. As part of the world, we all choose to some extent what our futures will be and can be. I knew these things before, but it’s not the same. This class taught me in a way that I will never forget. These movies will resonate with me forever. They are now a part of me, and the people in this class are too.
When you take a class like this, it’s natural to bond with some of the people in it. You experience something that is incredibly emotional and bigger than yourself. I think that’s one of the biggest benefits of this class. You go through something together, and you know that there are people beside you who are changing and bettering themselves too. You grow together. It’s really reassuring and positive when you see this in others. It gives me hope for tomorrow. Everyone goes through growing stages in their lives, especially when we are young. Right now, I’m at the time in my life where so much is going on. I took this class at a major turning point in my life, which is really special. As I prepare to enter into the next chapter of my life I can take with me these lessons. They will never leave me. These realizations are helping make me who I am today.
Facing History and Ourselves reminded me of the person I want to be. I have faith that after this class I will be proud of myself, my choices, and my character. This class is about who I am, and now I really know.
