Nov 19 Thurston High School

November 20th, 2009

 

Hi Thurston, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on todays presentation. Pls just write a line or 2 or more if you like:)  thanks  (Sorry I did not get any decent pics, if you have a couple, I would be happy to post them on this blog! email me:carl.wilkens@yahoo.com

4 Responses to “Nov 19 Thurston High School”

  1. Ginny Hoke says:

    The message of hope, individual responsibility, and the need for action, that you shared with Thurston High School this week, opened many students eyes to their larger role in the world community. A handful of students, those not enrolled in the Holocaust Literature course, have asked about completing some type of advocacy as part of their senior project. Impressive, especially considering many of these students came to the auditorium not sure what to expect.

    Your words, the stories that will stick with me – the individuals you introduced us to, Daoud who showed courage and brought humanity back to young men programmed to kill, a woman pleading with journalists for her life who lost that battle, but enters our hearts and minds reminding us that we must step forward and hold out our hand to help those who need us most, children peering out at the world through eyes touched by sorrow still lighted from within by hope for the future- remind me of my own responsibility to myself, my students, my colleagues, my family, and to people whom I’ve never met before, to stand up, use my voice, my strength. I admire the courage and conviction it takes to stand and share your story, again and again; it indeed made a difference for the students and staff here at Thurston High School.

  2. Janie Craig says:

    Carl Wilkens,

    Thank you so much for coming to speak to our school. I am a senior at Thurston High, and I have never ever heard anybody talk about darfur. It really gave me a true out look on life, and that all people don’t always have it as good as we do. I really appreciate learning and knowing everything! I wish to do some things to get the word out there and let my voice be heard!
    Thanks you again so much to coming and speaking to us!

    Sincerely,

    Janie Craig

  3. Angela Ruiz says:

    I would like to thank you for taking the time to come and speak with us all. I enjoyed hearing your story. I knew nothing until the day you came and talked to us on thursday. I found it to be very powerful and eye opening story. I was just amazed at how such ahugething could have been going on without anyone realy knowing about it. To know that even after all those years people still do not know. Things like this happen everyday and I think that it is important to know what is occurring the world that we live in. I believe that just by the courage that you and your wife have to come and talk to us is very amazing. To know that there are people such as yourselfs that are willing to tell their story makes a big change. I was touched by many parts of your story. One was where the man stood strong and protected the lives of young orphan children. That I found to such a great and strong thing because many people just run away, when they are faced with fear. The older ladies that stood up and protected you and your family was another part of you story I found unbelievable. The reason being that you would never think that two older woman can save an entire family. That was a courageous thing to do. I also was touched by the photos of children with their hands out and up asking for help. It is sad to know that so many lives where lost because of the choses that people made. This is why I think that you both are making a change, because you are going around letting people know the truth of what occurred and in some ways atill does today. Telling people your stroy allows them to realize that they may not always know what is going on in the world that we live in, but when they do have the chance to make a change they should take it while you can. Once again thank you!

  4. Carl says:

    Thank You Ginny for organizing the visit and helping us spread the word. We have already heard from other teachers around the country that you have contacted. Your letter is so encouraging as well!

    And thank you both, Angela and Janie for taking the time to write and say thanks. Not many people take the time to do that. Now that you know about Darfur, I welcome you into the ranks of those of us who are letting others know, and sharing what we can do to make a difference. Have you called 1-800-GENOCIDE yet? Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in your efforts.

    I look forward to the next time when all our paths will cross. All the best! Carl

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