So Carly and I had our interview with Sarah today. It really was amazing. We arrived at her (gorgeous) house around 2pm and stayed until 5pm. Hearing what was basically her life story was difficult, but very enjoyable. Both Carly and I were excessively excited to find out that even though Sarah has not talked too much to students before she was very open and welcoming and was always prompting us to ask questions. She did not seem at all reluctant to talk about her experiences and she actually laughed quite a bit in nostalgia. Not only that, but boy, was she a hostess! As soon as we walked in she started pouring coffee and asking us if we would like to sample some cake and ice cream - she had a full tea party spread just waiting for us.
While I will not go into detail on the actual interview now (a full summary/transcript-like text will be coming later in the week), there are a few details about it that definitely struck me. One was just how much Sarah seemed to love life. This did not seem like a woman, who had in her teens experienced more persecution than most people experience in their whole life time. She was smiling and happy and often pointing out pictures and talking about the people in them or opening up her glass cabinets to show off her fine crystal and porcelain collectibles. One of the most beautiful figures she had was of an 18th century aristocrat woman drinking coffee and eating cookies while dressed in fine attire with her feet propped upon a cushioned stool. "This is how I like to think of myself" is what Sarah said while I admired it. What a thought! To feel that life has treated you so well.
The other thing that struck me was how much she reminded me of the women in my family. Every few minutes she would say something and I would think "That's exactly what my grandma would say!" or "That's just what my mom is like," or "Wow, I've totally done that before!" How amazing is it that someone who has had a completely different experience from myself could be so relatable?
The final thing that I wish to meditate on is one of the final statements made as Carly and I were being escorted out the door after our almost 3 hour visit. Sarah made the bold and proud statement "I am strong." I find this so great because, first of all, it's so true. Not only is Sarah's Holocaust experience and survival a testament to that, but also her current lifestyle. For her age (which I will not record here for courtesy's sake - besides, you wouldn't believe me anyway) she looks quite fabulous and she keeps an impeccable home. Second of all, I find it wonderful that she is in fact, so bold to proclaim her own strength. From my observations of society, I have come to the conclusion that too often those who deserve recognition and praise do not receive or accept it, and those who do not will most often proclaim their positives. Sarah, on the other hand, is completely honest and deserving in her self praise. This is not to say that she is not humble - quite the opposite in fact - but it is refreshing to hear someone make a statement that demonstrates how well they know themselves. It really is a beautiful thing.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Pre-Interview Jitters
Well I suppose this is my (or should I say "our" since Carly and I share this blog) first blog entry. This is kind of exciting! I suppose it is only appropriate for me to introduce myself.
My name is Amanda Zeitler. I am a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I'm an English major with a Theatre minor and the reason I am creating this blog (the first in my whole life - which is odd considering our youth's obsession with the digital luxuries of the age) for a class project. I am currently taking a literature class entitled "The Holocaust in Poland" and we are partnering with another class at California State University Northridge. The goal of this project is for me (and my partner, Carly) to interview a Holocaust survivor named Sarah Lumer and to record and reflect on our experiences with her here on this blog.
The interview was supposed to take place this past Sunday, but due to scheduling conflicts, we've put it off until this coming Sunday (March 21). And I have never been so nervous. I'm honestly not sure what to expect from this experience. After all the reading and video-watching and examining we have done in this class, I can definitely say I have a MUCH deeper understanding of the horrors and traumas that survivors went through. That said, I have no idea how Mrs. Lumer or I will react to this interview. Or if it will even be successful. Dr. Levitsky warned us that our survivors may not want to talk about their experience. What if this happens? What am I going to have to work with on this project? We were also warned that survivors may get very emotional (and understandably so). What do I do if this happens? How do I handle it? Obviously my goal is to be as compassionate and understanding as possible and to do my best to really listen. But despite these goals, what if something goes horribly wrong?
Perhaps my fears are irrational or unnecessary. Regardless, they are there and I do not think I will be able to get rid of them. At least not until Sunday when I finally have to swallow them and take whatever's thrown at me. Wish me luck!
My name is Amanda Zeitler. I am a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I'm an English major with a Theatre minor and the reason I am creating this blog (the first in my whole life - which is odd considering our youth's obsession with the digital luxuries of the age) for a class project. I am currently taking a literature class entitled "The Holocaust in Poland" and we are partnering with another class at California State University Northridge. The goal of this project is for me (and my partner, Carly) to interview a Holocaust survivor named Sarah Lumer and to record and reflect on our experiences with her here on this blog.
The interview was supposed to take place this past Sunday, but due to scheduling conflicts, we've put it off until this coming Sunday (March 21). And I have never been so nervous. I'm honestly not sure what to expect from this experience. After all the reading and video-watching and examining we have done in this class, I can definitely say I have a MUCH deeper understanding of the horrors and traumas that survivors went through. That said, I have no idea how Mrs. Lumer or I will react to this interview. Or if it will even be successful. Dr. Levitsky warned us that our survivors may not want to talk about their experience. What if this happens? What am I going to have to work with on this project? We were also warned that survivors may get very emotional (and understandably so). What do I do if this happens? How do I handle it? Obviously my goal is to be as compassionate and understanding as possible and to do my best to really listen. But despite these goals, what if something goes horribly wrong?
Perhaps my fears are irrational or unnecessary. Regardless, they are there and I do not think I will be able to get rid of them. At least not until Sunday when I finally have to swallow them and take whatever's thrown at me. Wish me luck!
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