Introduction

Facing History and ourselves is a must-take course. Through the use of film and a few articles here and there, one can truly see what the Holocaust was truly like. Some people categorize this as a class that just talks about the Holocaust and delves into its history, but that is far from the truth. Through analyzing the holocaust as well as various other films and current events (such as the Penn State scandal), people realize whether or not they are a perpetrator, bystander, victim, or rescuer. At the end, you will learn what it means to stand up for yourself, for others, and what it means to do the right thing no matter what the situation is.

I knew I was going to take this course ever since my sophomore year when I had Mr. Gallagher for U.S. History I. He gave us a small introduction to the course that year and at that point I realized I would be a fool to pass up on taking this course. Also, when I was younger I dealt with racism and prejudice due to that fact I was Muslim and the tragedy of 9/11 had occurred. I never want to experience anything like that again, nor do I want anyone else in the world to experience anything like that again.  The course would change my life and how I look at everything. I was ready for that and could not wait until my senior year to take this course.

I would just like to write a few things about myself. I am Jeffrey Syed, a senior at Westborough High School who will be headed to Massachusetts Maritime Academy next year.  I love football and I love my decision to take Facing History and Ourselves this year. It will forever be a part of me.