My journey to CWB’s Personally Poland Seminar was not like many of the other educators here. CWB contacted me and wanted me to join them as a “Thank you” for speaking out publicly against book bans & both-siding the Holocaust (and losing my job as a result).
Over the last few days, I have experienced the darkest side of man. I have witnessed the horrors of Holocaust first hand from an absolutely incredible survivor, and even got to hear him speak in Auchswitz, the place that tried (unsuccessfully) to break him.
Many people throughout the week told me that, “I am Incredible” and that, “I was a hero for what I did”. In the midst of all of this, I felt like an imposter. I can recall countless times in my life and career that I should’ve spoken up. Countless times that I could’ve said something, and instead, chose to stay silent. The one time I did speak up, it went viral and made national news….but that is one time out of more than I’d like to admit.
As an elementary school teacher, I questioned how this trip would apply to my life and my students- I can’t exactly go home showcase the horrendous details and atrocities of the Holocaust to 9 year olds. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to take much of this and truly make a difference at home. Boy…was I wrong.
On the other hand, as a new mom, (I have a 1 year old son who is my whole world) visiting the places where millions of people were murdered was incredibly difficult. It especially broke me seeing the innocent children who were brutally taken in cold blood. There are no words to describe the pain I imagine hundreds of thousands of parent must have felt in the last moments they spent together with their families. No words.
As difficult as this week has been, my heart is forever changed. I have a newfound vision of others. All I could think about as I looked on at the book that contained over 6 million names of innocent people who were murdered was- that is someone’s child. Someone’s child who, like my own, was deeply loved, valued, and needed in this world. Someone’s child whose life was cut short because of a profound lack of humanity and empathy.
I am leaving Poland with an incredible sense of purpose. We all have opinions and views that may not align with others. There are people in this world who frustrate and anger us, people who are difficult and hard to understand….people who we may feel even deserve unkind words or actions-but that is someone’s child.
I believe this way of looking others will make me a better wife, mother, friend, and most importantly, a better educator. CWB has given me the drive to instill this way of seeing others in my students. To ensure that they remember these truths, even when it’s hard. I am leaving with a heart full of community, gratitude, understanding and empathy for others. A heart that will no longer hold any space for hate.
A heart that truly is, forever changed.
-Christina McGuirk