Life is but a perception

While being a senior in high school, I developed the mentality that I knew everything. I believed my way of thinking was set in stone as well as my opinions and overall perspective on the world. When I first heard feedback from your class from a few peers that had taken it first semester, I could tell just by the tone of their voice that this class made a lasting impression on them. The moment I walked into the class I felt passion and determination. I knew this class was going to be unlike any other. Like any other student, I had previously been made aware of the holocaust’s existence and supposedly what went on in Nazi Germany, but never did I actually reflect on how such things could have possibly gotten to that point, and how extreme it really was. How one man; one sick, sadistic individual could influence an entire nation to such an extent that people would volunteer and gladly torture murder people they once lived with because of their beliefs and appearances. The fact that the human mind can be manipulated into a cold blooded killing machine reinforces to me that there is evil in the world, and it could be closer than we think. Every person we surround ourselves with has some sort of impact on our lives, how we think, and how we grow as individuals. I have learned that people are naturally and instinctively prone to follow the herd mentality. Personal values are diminished when that one voice speaks against a thousand. And that’s how the holocaust was able to happen in the first place.

What is different from Facing History and Ourselves than any other class is the message that the students are initially given at the beginning. The first thing we were told is that this class can and will have a large impact on each and every one of us, and we were going to be given no homework, no tests or quizzes, and were solely being graded on participation and effort. Weary at first, my attention was instantly grabbed. The way the class is taught is what really makes your course exceptional. The class serves as a great metaphor, utilizing each student’s mind to understand the world we all live in from a completely new angle. I strongly believe that the teacher of any class is a huge factor in whether or not the students are interested and affected by the course, and with saying that I would like to let you know that you have exceeded mine as well as many other s’ expectations as a teacher. Never again will I walk into another classroom expecting not to get anything out of it. And for that, I thank you Mr. Gallagher.

One film that really stood out to me was The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Not only did it answer my questions on how propaganda polluted the minds of a whole nation, but it also gave the viewer an idea of how children were affected by the Nazis. The boy in the film spent the last days of his childhood confused, wondering why there were so many people working on the “farms” near where his family resided. Contrary to the German’s beliefs in Nazi Germany, I personally think it’d be much less than a luxury, being brought up in a household where a person was enslaved. The message being portrayed to the children is that all humanity is not equal, teaching and supporting hatred and prejudice. How can one teach their children morals and values while treating another human being as they would a pig? They can’t. By doing what they did do, putting an extreme limit their child’s imagination and curiosity, their own son was murdered. He was gassed by his own people, being mistaken for a member of another race. If that didn’t change his father’s perspective on humanity, then I don’t know what could. It’s true when they say what goes around comes around. That’s just the cycle of life; that’s karma.

Another way this course has helped me as a person is by helping me reflect on myself as a person. I had always believed in life I was a one man army against the world. I believed no one understood me, and I didn’t strive to change that. Over time, I built an elaborate social network consisting of some people I’d let raise my children, and some I wouldn’t let near my pet. I never understood the concept of a consistent lifestyle. I always wanted more, no matter what I had. I always wanted out, no matter what I was involved in. Nothing was enough, but everything was too much. I took advantage of life, never expecting consequences, until I saw my surroundings collapse. I relate my personal life experience to your course because likewise, millions of people watched as millions of others were gathered, shipped off, and murdered. Before they even knew what they had done, it was too late to undo what they had done, and forever they shall dwell on their mistakes and wrong doings. I have personally watched persons close to me go down very destructive paths, without standing and speaking up against them for their own good will. Instead, I helped profit their industry with the intentions of being a part of something and contributing myself to a greater cause. Little did I know, I was being drawn into and manipulated by propaganda, and brainwashed by the idea of prosperity and personal wealth. I put my heart, mind, and soul into a cause that I would later resent and feel embarrassed by. I am now aware of what I did wrong, who I’ve hurt, and what I can now do to better myself and those around me. You were right when you told me, “Those people were put in your life for a reason too, you know.” Karma’s cycle affected them just as it did I, and I am now more of a man than I’ve ever been. The most valuable lessons I have learned in life are:

“To succeed, you must be willing to fail.”
“Wealth is of heart and mind, not of pocket.”
“One must always be true to oneself.” (Thank you Mr. Gallagher)

And last but not least, to never give up. I have too many times slipped into an unhealthy state of mind, feeling depressed and hopeless that I had no sense of self worth or the slightest amount of motivation. Your class has helped me see the world for what it is, but having you as a teacher has shown me that I can be and do anything, all I must do is believe. Mr. Gallagher, I wish you good health and continued success, and I hope there are many others that are as affected from your teaching as I have. Thank you.