Introduction

       Although Facing History has only been around for four years, it has rapidly become one of the most respected and valued courses at Westborough High School. It is a history course unlike any other in which you learn about some of the terrible things that the human race is capable of; such as the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, and educates us about the things in history that we are ashamed of. I took this course because I had heard how much it affects people and I finally would be able to take a class about something that I am passionate about. Not only has Facing History in Ourselves taught me a great deal about the Holocaust and the racial discrimination that has gone on throughout history, this course has helped me realize who I am and the type of person I want to be. I have been through a lot this year, and it has been very easy for me to lose sight of who I am. I realize from being in this class that I am a very caring and empathetic person and unlike those who lost their lives in the Holocaust I have time to figure it out, and for that I am lucky. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the Holocaust, and I have done my best to educate myself about it. I’ve always know that facts, but it was this course that forced me to get inside the minds of these people, and feel what they went through. Mr. Gallagher taught in a way that opened my eyes and the material he showed us taught how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, and that it is okay to show empathy towards others. I know that I cannot change what happened in the past, but I can keep these people alive in my hearts by remember the pain and suffering they had to go through. I realize now more then ever that it could have been me. What makes me different from every other Jew that was murdered in the Holocaust? The only thing that separates us is time, and the only thing that we can do for the people we lost, is keep them in our memories. This class has taught me how to do so.