SPEAKING OUT. STANDING UP. MAKING A DIFFERENCE. THAT’S THE POWER OF ONE.
On Thursday March 19th, forty Roberto Clemente sophomores visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum and had the opportunity to experience the profoundly moving exhibits. The visit was planned in conjunction with the end of our US History unit studying World War 2 and the Holocaust. To many, it was their first exposure to the harsh reality of the Holocaust. Students had expressed the sentiment that it’s very easy to be detached from the Holocaust because what we study in class is so intangible and brief. But going to the museum and personally exploring the artifacts for several hours with the help of knowledgeable docents that have personal connections to the Holocaust, was an illuminating and valuable experience. Being able to see, read, hear, and touch things that piece together such an unthinkable event is an otherwise unattainable educational experience, and our students were both thankful for the experience and respectful of the environment and sanctity of the museum. We were especially fortunate to be able to meet and ask questions of a Holocaust survivor. Listening to her words of survival mixed with feelings of hope and joy of life, left the students with a sense that each one of us can make a difference. That speaking out and standing up to injustice makes a difference. The power of one. The power of all.
The words of our students can best sum up their feelings and reflections:
