By Kenra Mroz
Last semester I had the pleasure of welcoming three CHES speakers to my classrooms. Artur Wilczynski and Stan Farber made time in their busy schedules to speak with my Grade 12 Social Justice students, and Tova Clark graciously agreed to come in three times to share her family’s story of survival with those Social Justice students and my two Grade 9 English classes.
The immediate feedback from my students – when we “unpacked” each visit the following day – and which they provided to each speaker in their thank-you letters – demonstrated that they had been deeply touched and inspired by the experiences and thoughts shared by Artur, Stan, and Tova.
Many of my Social Justice students said how impressed they were with Artur’s strength and perseverance, as well as how he “owned and embraced” the various components of his intersectional identity. Although Stan spoke mainly about his experiences as a federally appointed lawyer, the students were eager to hear about his father’s story of survival. I am teaching some of these students in my Grade 12 English classes this semester, and I know they shall be delighted when they find out that Stan will be making an appearance this semester to share that special story.
All three of my classes listened attentively as Tova guided them through the incredible details of her family’s story. Her account resonated with these young people in a way that enabled many of them to open up about some things that were on their own minds regarding how human beings ought to treat one another, and why it is so important to stand up for and support one another. They shared their thoughts regarding how impactful it was to meet Tova and to have had the opportunity to learn from, and appreciate, her open-minded and open-hearted approach.
I became more fully aware of just how much of a lasting impact all three of these speakers had upon my students as I read the final Exit Tasks that the students in each class were required to complete at the end of each course. The Exit Tasks contained specific questions, but also provided each student with an opportunity to reflect upon their own personal learning journey and to share some of their strongest and most important “take-aways” from each course. A sizeable number of students in each class mentioned Artur, Stan, and Tova in their comments regarding their favourite things from semester one. Clearly, the thoughts, stories, and experiences these generous individuals shared continue to impact and inspire.
Thank you to Artur, Stan, and Tova for continuing to make a positive difference through your stories and through your meaningful interactions with young people.
