"Nothing"
Interpretations by Notre Dame English Students
"Still I Rise"
Interpretations by Notre Dame English Students
"Sure You Can Ask Me A Question"
Interpretations by Notre Dame English Students
Temporary
by Sam Sharif
Temporary. That’s how I felt everything was some time in between the years of 2014 and 2017… Temporary. A concept of life that I once ingrained in my mind to think of as horrid. Yet now, my perspective has changed.
There was a period in my life where I continued to move. Places. Locations. I moved; as soon as I got close to many friends, grew connected to different schools, and even when I had become attached to the country that I grew up in; the country that has played a significant role in developing who I have become. The most significant move of them all was the first. Going from Thailand to the Philippines. I despised having to say goodbye to all my childhood friends and neighbourhoods, but I had to. I constantly questioned: “Why couldn’t we stay?” But I asked this quietly. I felt as if I was in no position to ask such a thing. To voice my opinions and to defy such a crucial decision. Either way, I eventually tried to be accepting of my situation; any other negative emotion being forced aside. I tried my hardest to keep an open mind and allow myself to accept my circumstances; to indulge in this new chapter of my life – despite feeling as though the whole book was just ripped out of my hands.
After boarding countless planes, I eventually landed. Philippines to Canada. I caught a glance at the Canadian flag somewhere within the airport; its red and white seemingly welcoming me into the country, rather than instilling fear at the mere sight of it. Stepping out of the airport, there came a sudden realization of how temperatures contrasted immensely from the other side of the world; from where I once was. I had felt as though Antarctica had just suddenly gashed me with a bash of cold breeze. It needed some getting used to. From there on out, I continued to move. From Toronto to Mississauga, then Mississauga to Burlington in only a few years. Even as I knew that we only rented houses previously, I never expected that I would have been moving so frequently. They felt frequent, to me. Friends, again, left behind and lost touch with. Memories I once made, starting to fade… Temporary. The concept had begun to resurface. It took me a while to trust again, with me distancing myself at first and struggling to free myself from the grasp of which was suffocating me; the grasp of the “short-term” concept. Simply knowing that my family had finally bought a house and settled was not enough to convince me that we were staying. That I could connect with people once more. That I could give people my whole being. Although, somewhere along the way, I saw that the decision to shut myself out was not best. If I were to continue doing so, I’d be continuing to suffocate myself. And so, I took the risk. To begin opening up again. Not to say it completely worked, but it got me places. Much farther than from where my journey began.
In some way, I find myself connecting to Max and Liesel in The Book Thief. Although the reality of our experiences differ vastly, I find that there’s some slight similarities in our journeys. I feel like I’m able to relate to Liesel’s lack of trust that she had when she had just moved into the Hubermann household. Having just suffered a traumatic experience, one can sympathize with her incertitude in trusting the Hubermanns, people of whom had just adopted and met her. I can connect to this feeling, having felt this same untrustworthiness when I had finally settled in a house after moving several times in the span of a few years. It took time to learn how to trust others once more, though I would like to say that for both of us, this process was very much worthwhile. Additionally, the same way they were separated from their biological and/or adoptive families, as was I with my family and with the friends I made as I grew up. With Liesel being adopted, she was given up by her biological mother. For Max, being a Jew put him into a difficult situation; as with being a part of this minority group during Nazi Germany times, he was forced to go into hiding, being separated from his mother of whom was the only parent he had left. Not only this, but with the bombing and concentration camps during this time period, both Liesel and Max had continued to suffer. In this instance, they yet again were separated from their family, the Hubermann family. This shows how with my journey, I see that I can connect to them through the small similarities in our encounters. Though my experience can be deemed minor in comparison to theirs, I find comfort in the fact that I can relate to these characters to a certain extent.
From this experience, I have learnt that rather than waiting for permanency, it is better to go by the common saying that is, “living in the moment.” Not all the time in life will one have that sense of security, though my best advice would be to not take things for granted. Take those risks, jump at those opportunities. What comes tomorrow will never be in your control, and sometimes that’s for the better as it reminds us that we are in the present. And so, it’s better to find joy in things that are not so enjoyable. To not be scared for the change that is bound to occur. And to instead, embrace it. Find comfort in the fact that not everything will be comfortable. That life is unpredictable and is always seemingly, in a good way, temporary.
Temporary. That’s how I felt everything was some time in between the years of 2014 and 2017… Temporary. A concept of life that I once ingrained in my mind to think of as horrid. Yet now, my perspective has changed.
There was a period in my life where I continued to move. Places. Locations. I moved; as soon as I got close to many friends, grew connected to different schools, and even when I had become attached to the country that I grew up in; the country that has played a significant role in developing who I have become. The most significant move of them all was the first. Going from Thailand to the Philippines. I despised having to say goodbye to all my childhood friends and neighbourhoods, but I had to. I constantly questioned: “Why couldn’t we stay?” But I asked this quietly. I felt as if I was in no position to ask such a thing. To voice my opinions and to defy such a crucial decision. Either way, I eventually tried to be accepting of my situation; any other negative emotion being forced aside. I tried my hardest to keep an open mind and allow myself to accept my circumstances; to indulge in this new chapter of my life – despite feeling as though the whole book was just ripped out of my hands.
After boarding countless planes, I eventually landed. Philippines to Canada. I caught a glance at the Canadian flag somewhere within the airport; its red and white seemingly welcoming me into the country, rather than instilling fear at the mere sight of it. Stepping out of the airport, there came a sudden realization of how temperatures contrasted immensely from the other side of the world; from where I once was. I had felt as though Antarctica had just suddenly gashed me with a bash of cold breeze. It needed some getting used to. From there on out, I continued to move. From Toronto to Mississauga, then Mississauga to Burlington in only a few years. Even as I knew that we only rented houses previously, I never expected that I would have been moving so frequently. They felt frequent, to me. Friends, again, left behind and lost touch with. Memories I once made, starting to fade… Temporary. The concept had begun to resurface. It took me a while to trust again, with me distancing myself at first and struggling to free myself from the grasp of which was suffocating me; the grasp of the “short-term” concept. Simply knowing that my family had finally bought a house and settled was not enough to convince me that we were staying. That I could connect with people once more. That I could give people my whole being. Although, somewhere along the way, I saw that the decision to shut myself out was not best. If I were to continue doing so, I’d be continuing to suffocate myself. And so, I took the risk. To begin opening up again. Not to say it completely worked, but it got me places. Much farther than from where my journey began.
In some way, I find myself connecting to Max and Liesel in The Book Thief. Although the reality of our experiences differ vastly, I find that there’s some slight similarities in our journeys. I feel like I’m able to relate to Liesel’s lack of trust that she had when she had just moved into the Hubermann household. Having just suffered a traumatic experience, one can sympathize with her incertitude in trusting the Hubermanns, people of whom had just adopted and met her. I can connect to this feeling, having felt this same untrustworthiness when I had finally settled in a house after moving several times in the span of a few years. It took time to learn how to trust others once more, though I would like to say that for both of us, this process was very much worthwhile. Additionally, the same way they were separated from their biological and/or adoptive families, as was I with my family and with the friends I made as I grew up. With Liesel being adopted, she was given up by her biological mother. For Max, being a Jew put him into a difficult situation; as with being a part of this minority group during Nazi Germany times, he was forced to go into hiding, being separated from his mother of whom was the only parent he had left. Not only this, but with the bombing and concentration camps during this time period, both Liesel and Max had continued to suffer. In this instance, they yet again were separated from their family, the Hubermann family. This shows how with my journey, I see that I can connect to them through the small similarities in our encounters. Though my experience can be deemed minor in comparison to theirs, I find comfort in the fact that I can relate to these characters to a certain extent.
From this experience, I have learnt that rather than waiting for permanency, it is better to go by the common saying that is, “living in the moment.” Not all the time in life will one have that sense of security, though my best advice would be to not take things for granted. Take those risks, jump at those opportunities. What comes tomorrow will never be in your control, and sometimes that’s for the better as it reminds us that we are in the present. And so, it’s better to find joy in things that are not so enjoyable. To not be scared for the change that is bound to occur. And to instead, embrace it. Find comfort in the fact that not everything will be comfortable. That life is unpredictable and is always seemingly, in a good way, temporary.
He Said.
It’s not everyday you hear that a child's father lives in another country, but is still married to his wife and tries as hard as possible to keep connections with his kids. Hi, I’m Erin Petrsoyan, and this is my story.
I was 7 years old. March 6th. The first time he left. Language barrariors was his excuse. But he’ll be back soon. It’s just temporary, I’m sure of it. There’s no problem with trying new things out, I mean, who am I to tell him to stop pursuing his dreams. 4 months have passed and the time has finally come. Our smiles were like sunshine, lighting up the airport. There was running, crying and laughing. The feeling of relief was inevitable. He said he was back for good although it only took him 3 months to make the decision to go back. Better job opportunities, he said. But don’t worry, I’ll be back soon, he said. Although I hate to admit it, seeing kids play soccer, learn how to ride a bike, and go for walks with their dad didn’t make me happy anymore, it made me feel jealous. When he’s gone, it might not seem like a long time, but mentally, it feels like it’s been decades. In reality, it’s been 4 months. It was the day he came back where he shared the news that basically broke my heart. It came out of nowhere. It came at me like the speed of light. He bought an apartment. He likes it there, he said. I knew it wasn’t temporary. I knew this was going to happen. I just tried to make myself feel better by saying it wasn’t.
Lots of people ask me how I cope. It takes a long time to get over the feeling of desolation. Then there’s special events and holiday’s that don’t even feel the same anymore. It's exhausting making father’s day gifts at school that only end up in the trash two hours later. Glue, glitter and hard work stuck to my fingertips for no reason. How’s your dad, I hear it too often. When’s he coming back, they say. I force my mouth to smile as I say oh he’ll be back soon, when we all know I’m lying through my teeth. I want to feel like everyone else.
Now although not everyone can relate to me or my story, there is one girl by the name of Lesiel Memigner who actually can. Or, sort of can.
Now me and Leisel might seem like completely different people, but as a matter of fact we share similar circumstances; similar feelings. Well if it’s not already obvious we both didn’t exactly have a parent around for the majority of our lives, her more than I though. But as we go through the story, did she complain about it? Of course not. There might have been some letter writing here and there but what helped her? Her family. Our families are our support systems, our families shower us with love.. Extra love when needed. My mother, grandma and sisters, like Liesel’s mama and papa have helped us through the loss of not having that biological connection that we are so used to having. Now even with that, it can’t always fully make up all the moments that were there, and eventually lost. But what can? Time. Pure time. Every minute, hour, day, month that passes, a little pit in the soul gets filled. Every time Leisel goes out with Rudy, goes on a new adventure with her papa, or sits in the kitchen with Rosa, her life began to feel normal again, she was used to it. Now even with that, there's always going to be moments where you feel down, it’s natural. Having that person, your person where you can tell absolutely anything to is a must. You need a Max. Leisel and Max aren’t related, there isn’t a single drop of blood connecting the two. Yet, they always have the most valuable and vulnerable moments that allow themselves to release that upholding pressure of having to keep secrets and guilt inside of them. Whether it’s dreams about the fuhrer, or the new adventure with Rudy, or the guilt of being a book thief, there was always comfortability and honesty shared between the two. Ashley is my Max. I haven’t known her all my life, two years actually. Yet, I got comfortable with her quite fast. She knows when I get anxious about my father, or when I need a longer hug than normal. Family will always be there for you, but a good friend, a good friend is crucial.
So, after hearing that, what is my overall advice? I’m going to be completely honest, it doesn’t sound the best, it definitely doesn't sound the easiest. It honestly sounds like a cliche if anything, something anyone you meet would tell you. But family, love, time, and a Max in your life is all you really need to persevere.
I was 7 years old. March 6th. The first time he left. Language barrariors was his excuse. But he’ll be back soon. It’s just temporary, I’m sure of it. There’s no problem with trying new things out, I mean, who am I to tell him to stop pursuing his dreams. 4 months have passed and the time has finally come. Our smiles were like sunshine, lighting up the airport. There was running, crying and laughing. The feeling of relief was inevitable. He said he was back for good although it only took him 3 months to make the decision to go back. Better job opportunities, he said. But don’t worry, I’ll be back soon, he said. Although I hate to admit it, seeing kids play soccer, learn how to ride a bike, and go for walks with their dad didn’t make me happy anymore, it made me feel jealous. When he’s gone, it might not seem like a long time, but mentally, it feels like it’s been decades. In reality, it’s been 4 months. It was the day he came back where he shared the news that basically broke my heart. It came out of nowhere. It came at me like the speed of light. He bought an apartment. He likes it there, he said. I knew it wasn’t temporary. I knew this was going to happen. I just tried to make myself feel better by saying it wasn’t.
Lots of people ask me how I cope. It takes a long time to get over the feeling of desolation. Then there’s special events and holiday’s that don’t even feel the same anymore. It's exhausting making father’s day gifts at school that only end up in the trash two hours later. Glue, glitter and hard work stuck to my fingertips for no reason. How’s your dad, I hear it too often. When’s he coming back, they say. I force my mouth to smile as I say oh he’ll be back soon, when we all know I’m lying through my teeth. I want to feel like everyone else.
Now although not everyone can relate to me or my story, there is one girl by the name of Lesiel Memigner who actually can. Or, sort of can.
Now me and Leisel might seem like completely different people, but as a matter of fact we share similar circumstances; similar feelings. Well if it’s not already obvious we both didn’t exactly have a parent around for the majority of our lives, her more than I though. But as we go through the story, did she complain about it? Of course not. There might have been some letter writing here and there but what helped her? Her family. Our families are our support systems, our families shower us with love.. Extra love when needed. My mother, grandma and sisters, like Liesel’s mama and papa have helped us through the loss of not having that biological connection that we are so used to having. Now even with that, it can’t always fully make up all the moments that were there, and eventually lost. But what can? Time. Pure time. Every minute, hour, day, month that passes, a little pit in the soul gets filled. Every time Leisel goes out with Rudy, goes on a new adventure with her papa, or sits in the kitchen with Rosa, her life began to feel normal again, she was used to it. Now even with that, there's always going to be moments where you feel down, it’s natural. Having that person, your person where you can tell absolutely anything to is a must. You need a Max. Leisel and Max aren’t related, there isn’t a single drop of blood connecting the two. Yet, they always have the most valuable and vulnerable moments that allow themselves to release that upholding pressure of having to keep secrets and guilt inside of them. Whether it’s dreams about the fuhrer, or the new adventure with Rudy, or the guilt of being a book thief, there was always comfortability and honesty shared between the two. Ashley is my Max. I haven’t known her all my life, two years actually. Yet, I got comfortable with her quite fast. She knows when I get anxious about my father, or when I need a longer hug than normal. Family will always be there for you, but a good friend, a good friend is crucial.
So, after hearing that, what is my overall advice? I’m going to be completely honest, it doesn’t sound the best, it definitely doesn't sound the easiest. It honestly sounds like a cliche if anything, something anyone you meet would tell you. But family, love, time, and a Max in your life is all you really need to persevere.
Fighting Stress
Growing up, almost everything made me stressed out. From going to school, communicating with new people, and trying new hobbies. It seemed as if I could never just live in peace.
It all started in grade 6 when teachers started getting tougher, pressure from my dance instructors began to build and I started comparing myself to my older sister who always seemed perfect. Each day felt like an internal competition to be better while everyone in my life was in the audience watching, waiting for me to mess up. As years progressed and I continued to ignore my constant stress, it only started to build. I didn’t feel like I could reach out to anyone because of my internalized idea that that would be lazy and just taking the easy way out. It seemed as if my stress was standing over my shoulders, challenging me and waiting for me to break. Throughout quarantine, I decided since I had the time I would focus on integrating things that make me feel at peace into my life. Each day I would dedicate some time to do something I enjoyed like baking, walking, and reading until eventually I found my stress was being released. I finally felt like I had taken a deep breath after holding it for so long.
After reading the Book Thief , I think the feelings I had were really related to Max. Although my stress was not to his extent, each day Max lived knowing that any minute, all could go crashing down. This feeling was similar to how I felt so much pressure from people around me. I lived stressing what would happen if I didn’t meet the standards of significant people in my life. Not only did I stress how others would feel if I let them down, but I struggled to overcome challenges holding me back. This fear can relate to how Liesel felt while going to the mayor's house the first time after the mayor's wife saw her steal the book from the fire. She had that struggle to overcome bringing the laundry to the mayor's house that was holding her back. In the first few parts of the Book Thief, Liesel also struggles with grief. During that period of her life, she fails to reach out to Rosa, Hans, or Rudy so keeps the feelings regarding the death of her brother inside. While I struggled with stress, I also didn’t reach out to any family because of the assumptions I had made that my problem wasn't significant.
After overcoming my adversity, my main advice is to try and recognize when you feel happiest. Once you discover the hobbies, people, and activities you love, you can surround yourself with those things instead of the ones that put pressure on your everyday life. Some stressful situations are unavoidable so always remember that many people are in the same situation as you so don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. There will always be light at the end of the tunnel so keep persevering and aiming to overcome the adversity in your life.
It all started in grade 6 when teachers started getting tougher, pressure from my dance instructors began to build and I started comparing myself to my older sister who always seemed perfect. Each day felt like an internal competition to be better while everyone in my life was in the audience watching, waiting for me to mess up. As years progressed and I continued to ignore my constant stress, it only started to build. I didn’t feel like I could reach out to anyone because of my internalized idea that that would be lazy and just taking the easy way out. It seemed as if my stress was standing over my shoulders, challenging me and waiting for me to break. Throughout quarantine, I decided since I had the time I would focus on integrating things that make me feel at peace into my life. Each day I would dedicate some time to do something I enjoyed like baking, walking, and reading until eventually I found my stress was being released. I finally felt like I had taken a deep breath after holding it for so long.
After reading the Book Thief , I think the feelings I had were really related to Max. Although my stress was not to his extent, each day Max lived knowing that any minute, all could go crashing down. This feeling was similar to how I felt so much pressure from people around me. I lived stressing what would happen if I didn’t meet the standards of significant people in my life. Not only did I stress how others would feel if I let them down, but I struggled to overcome challenges holding me back. This fear can relate to how Liesel felt while going to the mayor's house the first time after the mayor's wife saw her steal the book from the fire. She had that struggle to overcome bringing the laundry to the mayor's house that was holding her back. In the first few parts of the Book Thief, Liesel also struggles with grief. During that period of her life, she fails to reach out to Rosa, Hans, or Rudy so keeps the feelings regarding the death of her brother inside. While I struggled with stress, I also didn’t reach out to any family because of the assumptions I had made that my problem wasn't significant.
After overcoming my adversity, my main advice is to try and recognize when you feel happiest. Once you discover the hobbies, people, and activities you love, you can surround yourself with those things instead of the ones that put pressure on your everyday life. Some stressful situations are unavoidable so always remember that many people are in the same situation as you so don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. There will always be light at the end of the tunnel so keep persevering and aiming to overcome the adversity in your life.
- Identity & Sense of Belonging -
Have you ever felt like something about your identity doesn’t belong or fit in with everybody else’s? Have you ever felt inferior to someone or to others simply because of who you were? Have you ever struggled for a sense of belonging?
When you are struggling for a sense of belonging, you feel as if you were almost as small as a mouse. You feel inferior to almost everyone around you. You don’t seem to fit in with everybody else, and if anything, you may even want to change yourself so that you could at least meet their expectations.
Most individuals begin to struggle for a sense of belonging in society after comparing themselves to what they believe is the “social norm” and trying to fit in to reach those “social standards”. What makes these individuals struggle to feel like they belong are the owls in society. The owls that are constantly staring with their wide-open eyes. The owls that can judge you with their eyes speaking louder than words yet making no sound.
Struggling for a sense of belonging can happen almost anywhere. Though in most, if not all cases, it happens wherever there is a society. Society plays a huge role in why many don’t feel like they belong because they are who sets the social standards. They are the ones who will belittle you if you can’t meet what is “expected”.
Naturally, nobody is born with a feeling that they don’t belong because there is always an issue, obstacle, or complication that has to occur for you to feel that way. The feeling that you don’t belong is really just an argument between you and your head. You may try to tell yourself that you belong but as long as your head argues back, the sense of belonging will always waver in your thoughts.
This obstacle connects to “The Book Thief” because there were many different people all over Germany who had been struggling for a sense of belonging. Many had felt like they didn’t belong because of Adolf Hitler. People couldn’t see eye-to-eye with him having felt dehumanized. I personally believe that Hans Hubermann could relate to struggling for a sense of belonging because he did not agree with any of the Nazi Party’s values and beliefs.
The Jews also felt the struggle for a sense of belonging because they were specifically being targeted and dehumanized, constantly treated as “inferior” and equivalent to insects. These Jews wanted to feel accepted and wanted to belong but it was difficult when their whole country turned their backs on them.
In conclusion, struggling for a sense of belonging is normal. It’s ok to feel that way from time to time but what matters is how you are able to react to it. If we take Hans Hubermann as an example, he never gave in and ended up joining the Nazi Party or started dehumanizing all Jews. Despite not fitting in with the rest of the German society, he continued to treat Jews as humans even when the whole country said otherwise.
As simple as it may be to ask, why do we need to care about how others perceive us? Why should we change our identities for other people? Always remember, before trying to get accepted by society, you must first be accepting of who you were before, and who you are now. Thank you.
When you are struggling for a sense of belonging, you feel as if you were almost as small as a mouse. You feel inferior to almost everyone around you. You don’t seem to fit in with everybody else, and if anything, you may even want to change yourself so that you could at least meet their expectations.
Most individuals begin to struggle for a sense of belonging in society after comparing themselves to what they believe is the “social norm” and trying to fit in to reach those “social standards”. What makes these individuals struggle to feel like they belong are the owls in society. The owls that are constantly staring with their wide-open eyes. The owls that can judge you with their eyes speaking louder than words yet making no sound.
Struggling for a sense of belonging can happen almost anywhere. Though in most, if not all cases, it happens wherever there is a society. Society plays a huge role in why many don’t feel like they belong because they are who sets the social standards. They are the ones who will belittle you if you can’t meet what is “expected”.
Naturally, nobody is born with a feeling that they don’t belong because there is always an issue, obstacle, or complication that has to occur for you to feel that way. The feeling that you don’t belong is really just an argument between you and your head. You may try to tell yourself that you belong but as long as your head argues back, the sense of belonging will always waver in your thoughts.
This obstacle connects to “The Book Thief” because there were many different people all over Germany who had been struggling for a sense of belonging. Many had felt like they didn’t belong because of Adolf Hitler. People couldn’t see eye-to-eye with him having felt dehumanized. I personally believe that Hans Hubermann could relate to struggling for a sense of belonging because he did not agree with any of the Nazi Party’s values and beliefs.
The Jews also felt the struggle for a sense of belonging because they were specifically being targeted and dehumanized, constantly treated as “inferior” and equivalent to insects. These Jews wanted to feel accepted and wanted to belong but it was difficult when their whole country turned their backs on them.
In conclusion, struggling for a sense of belonging is normal. It’s ok to feel that way from time to time but what matters is how you are able to react to it. If we take Hans Hubermann as an example, he never gave in and ended up joining the Nazi Party or started dehumanizing all Jews. Despite not fitting in with the rest of the German society, he continued to treat Jews as humans even when the whole country said otherwise.
As simple as it may be to ask, why do we need to care about how others perceive us? Why should we change our identities for other people? Always remember, before trying to get accepted by society, you must first be accepting of who you were before, and who you are now. Thank you.