Letters to Margot by Laurie Schaefer https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko en-us 2023-03-20 01:30:23 UTC 2023-03-30 00:16:37 UTC hello@padlet.com Dear Margot, https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2523980344 What impacted me the most today is when you were able to just speak on a tough topic especially the transition of going from one family to another. The reason that it truly impacted me is due to the fact that I also had to transition from one family to another and learn how they lived and get accustomed to it and restart my once traumatic life, Now I did not face such a difficulty that you did but that is the main reason it stuck to me. As I close out I would love to say thank you for coming into our class today it was a true honor/privilege to hear your story and you helped inspire me to use my past to better my future. 
Sincerly,
Josiah Vallejo]]> 2023-03-20 17:15:37 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2523980344 Mackenzie https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524139906 The point of view from your mother was incredibly beautiful and it takes quite a person to do what she did. Sending you and your brother away must have been painful for her, yet she was so strong and did it to protect you. I also ask myself why anti-semitism, racism, sexism, and homophobia are still present in this world when we have seen the impact it has on us. The pain you probably experience still seeing the same problems as what you went through as a child makes me sad and makes me want to change the fate of our world to give the future a brighter opportunity for happiness. ]]> 2023-03-20 19:02:20 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524139906 Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524150890 3. I was most impacted by your telling me about how hard it was to lose everything you had and start over. It also impacted me that you said that you should never hold on to grudges and should always forgive. ]]> 2023-03-20 19:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524150890 Margot benjmill1463 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524152076 3. I was most impacted by your telling me about how hard it was to lose everything you had and start over. It also impacted me that you said that you should never hold on to grudges and should always forgive. ]]> 2023-03-20 19:11:49 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524152076 Letter https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155006 Dear Margot,
 Your story was incredibly moving and has lessons that everyone should learn. Your story moved me specifically because I have eight siblings and could not imagine being separated for that long or in reality being separated at all. What you speak about makes me determined to never keep quiet if I see something that is wrong. Your story has taught me also not to waste my life hating or holding grudges but to live it fully and without anger in my heart. You have incredible strength for all that you went through and you are truly an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to tell your story! 
Love, 
Ava Shaw ]]> 2023-03-20 19:14:25 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155006 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155187 Margot, your story has really impacted me, especially because of your attitude. Throughout the telling of your life during the Holocaust, you kept a very positive and calm attitude which shows that this is something that you have chosen to let go of and grow from the emotions you felt which was stated in one of your quotes. Overall, I found your story fascinating and you have really taught me how to look at and understand feelings and situations to benefit yourself.]]> 2023-03-20 19:14:34 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155187 Margot note https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155917 I learned that no matter what happens in life whether it be a horrible loss or a happy time in life, try to keep your head straight and try to not keep any emotions get in the way of your actions and also to let go of anger as it can cause more damage than anything. I have noticed that anger is what sets off a lot of bad things that happen in the world like wars and genocides. And if we want to stop those terrible things we have to let go of that anger and see the situation for what it really is and not let emotions get in the way.]]> 2023-03-20 19:15:12 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524155917 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524157960
Hearing you tell your story made me realize that everything that happened to you set your life in motion. All of the things you have accomplished are the outcome of what happened to you. You did the best you could and enjoyed what you could. So I know when struggles happen it is a part of setting your life in motion and you can have a different outcome. Not worth holding grudges.

]]> 2023-03-20 19:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524157960 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524157975  The part that impacted me the most is where she was robbed of her childhood. I couldn't imagine the pain you felt leaving your family, not knowing if you would ever see them again.  I will use what I learned from you by not holding on to anger for nobody and learn to just let go and not affect me as a person.]]> 2023-03-20 19:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524157975 Note to Margot - Quinn https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524158035 Your story reinforced the idea of the strength of the human spirit. Having to leave your home country, survive being a child and a teenager completely on your own, and having to live with what was happening to your family in Germany must have been extremely challenging. I vow to teach my kids of stories like your own and to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, so history won’t repeat itself and hate won't perpetuate into future generations.]]> 2023-03-20 19:16:55 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524158035 Thank you Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524159281 Thank you Margot for telling us your story even though this is the second time I've heard your story I am still moved. I will remember your story in order to tell my future kids and others, to remind them why we must keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. I learned that if we forget the Holocaust and how horrible it was, history will repeat itself.]]> 2023-03-20 19:17:54 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524159281 Letter to Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161113 What I learned that impacted me the most about her story, was how she had to learn so much just on her own and had to face her own challenges and overcome them. Another thing would be about how she never held onto anger or a grudge against anything because she believed that it was best not to become destructive. She also shows how much courage she had to keep moving on and start something new and not just live in the past. ]]> 2023-03-20 19:19:28 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161113 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161407 The thing that impacted me the most is definetely the having to leave your parents and family to go to another country on your own to live with complete strangers at such a young age. I get sad when I have to leave my mother to go to school and I can't imagine the pain of leaving her forever. I will use what i've learned as a way to make sure it is not forgotten. I will tell my kids about this I will teach them to teach their kids and so on. I will always remember this story and I will think about it and try to understand what it was like to the best of my ability.]]> 2023-03-20 19:19:44 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161407 danigled4381 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161621 From your story the biggest impact it had on me was how strong you were through out the whole thing. Because I think if I was in your position I don't think I would be strong enough to go through with it. But I have learned that it take extreme determination and bravery to do what you did.]]> 2023-03-20 19:19:54 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161621 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161845 Having to leave your family and go on your own, I think would be the hardest thing that anyone can do. you had to grow up so fast you did not get time to have a childhood. I think the holocaust was a hard time to live though and that people today take there life's for granted.]]> 2023-03-20 19:20:06 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524161845 Letter of gratitude https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524166564 I am beyond grateful to have been able to hear your story first hand. Thank you for taking the time to make sure people are informed of these times, and thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. To have such a big smile, and a positive outlook on life, after experiencing direct discrimination for years, is nothing short of magnificent. I aspire to be so dedicated to having a purpose in life, whether it's fending for yourself at 16, or pen palling your future husband for 8 years. Not many positive things come out of this subject, but learning that you did not let this situation change your pure heart is so fulfilling. Thank you for this experience. 
With sympathy,
Samantha Elliott. ]]> 2023-03-20 19:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524166564 Emma Brown https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524170919 Dear Margot, your story really helped me understand what the Holocaust did to innocent children. Even if you survived and were 'safe', you were still deprived of a real childhood and mistreated by a family that took you in as a refugee. Children who were deported missed the opportunity to grow relationships with their families and lost their social lives and their home. Children were expected to join a new country, and learn new languages and new cultures. Their generation was forced to make changes and decisions that no one else will ever be able to understand. Thank you for helping me to see that, it deserves to be known so we can honor those who faced this evil.]]> 2023-03-20 19:27:26 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524170919 Thank You https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524184918 Dear Mrs. Lobree,
Thank you so much for agreeing to share your story with us. Being able to hear from you first hand has impacted me tremendously. I will always remember your story and I will be sure to share it with everyone that I can. What you have to say is so important to our future. Thank you.
]]> 2023-03-20 19:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524184918 Dear Miss Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524452664 Hi Miss Margot! I Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, and wish I had gotten to see you in person. I think that one of the most incredible parts of your story is when you realize what the Nazis have deprived you of, and how you felt so angry, but that anger and the childhood you missed, didn't stop you from growing and learning. You were a survivor, and you became a mother, a wife, a grandmother, and a storyteller, and I think that what you have accomplished is incredible... so Thank you. ]]> 2023-03-21 00:47:44 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524452664 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524621801 Hi Margot, 
I wanted to let you know how deeply your story struck me when you talked about your loss of childhood. While I can't relate in any way, I understand that my childhood has shaped me into the person I am today and how valuable it is in a person's life. I have learned a lot from your story including how important these early years are. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I will always remember this experience. ]]> 2023-03-21 02:58:02 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2524621801 M. Pruitt https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525360584
Margot, I am truly grateful and thankful that you came over to tell your story. My generation will be the last to live with survivors of the Holocaust, and fewer will get the chance to speak with them---to empathize with them. Hearing your story ensures that it will be preserved in my memory long after yours fades. You are an incredibly resilient woman---to live through such desolate, volatile times, as well as learning to live with the trauma that followed, is the ultimate act of defiance. This is what makes you a survivor. Courage is not always expressed through physical retaliation against oppression. Courage is the ability  to speak out and keep your memory alive. To exist in spite of circumstance is defiance.

For this, you have my gratitude, as well as a hug. Thank you, truly.

]]> 2023-03-21 13:15:08 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525360584 Nora Greene https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525378915 Hello Margot, I really enjoyed hearing you speak it was very insightful and I feel like I have a better understanding of the personal impacts of the Holocaust. I was very intrigued by your story and how you were able to overcome the separation from your family, your ability to adapt and overcome your circumstances is very empowering. I am glad that you can tell your story and share what happened to you and show it happened, I think that learning about these events and how they came to be is an important step in preventing their reoccurrence. Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us I really appreciate being able to hear you speak.]]> 2023-03-21 13:25:33 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525378915 madawrig9541 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525379808 I think what resonated with me the most is how you lived your life after the war. You made sure to continue living and didn't continue to reflect on what you had lost during your childhood. I think that it is a good lesson for anyone in any situation. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:26:05 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525379808 How was I Impacted? https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525380236 To Margot-
I learned what life was like for a child and their innocence that was taken away from them and they didn't even know it. I was impacted by her courage to keep on fighting to stay alive so that she could share her story with the world and make sure that nothing that happened in the Holocaust ever happens again. I will never understand what and how hard life was for people in the Holocaust, but I do know a little about the strength that people had to survive. These things that Margot shared with me will make me want to be better at everything I do and not let hatred and other people slow me down.]]> 2023-03-21 13:26:20 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525380236 SK https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525381813 The entire story impacted me, to be specific though it was being left alone at only thirteen with little to no knowledge of the country and a relatively small understanding of the language. In this day and age I have a feeling most people would think they would be fine with it until they really get out in the world and have to deal with everything that comes their way without asking their parents and being in a foreign country, it would probably be a wake up call for many people. I have learned much from this story and I will continue to keep it in my mind as I grow and get older because people need to know, every story counts.]]> 2023-03-21 13:27:14 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525381813 asher https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525384149 Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was so amazing to hear about your experience and how you went about things. It was motivational and beautiful! Thank you.]]> 2023-03-21 13:28:31 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525384149 Zane https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525386955 Dear Margot thank you for speaking to us about your story. What impacted me the most is the love your mother had to save you. I will spend more time with my parents because you never know when they will be gone.]]> 2023-03-21 13:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525386955 Cami https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525388059 Hi Margot, Thank you so much for coming in and sharing your story I really enjoyed hearing from who has experienced it firsthand. One thing I love about your story is you and your husband. You could talk all day about him and never run out of things to say. One thing that I found sad is that you were one of the lucky ones and to think that there were tons of kids left behind too. The experience was amazing and I'm so glad I got to hear it 
































]]> 2023-03-21 13:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525388059 John C https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525388926 What impacted me most about your story was how you stuck through it and didn't give up through the hardship. Leaving your entire family to go live with strangers at the age of 13 is unparalleled. I learned to not take life for granted. because some people are always going through a worse situation. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:31:27 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525388926 Aliah SabbaghRabaiotti https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525394072 The thing that impacted me the most was that you had to figure things out on your own with out any parents. This impacts me because I can't image doing anything without or leaving my mom. This is going to help me learn more about they Holocaust because it shows me what family's went through. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:34:31 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525394072 Letter to Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525397237 Dear Margot , Thank you so much for telling your story to me and teaching me new things. Your words impacted me greatly and the lessons you taught during your speech. The part about you saying goodbye to your parents and getting on the train impacted me the most. To me you were very brave and did something I could never do. Also for you to be apart of the Kindertransport and be willing to share your story to others is amazing. I appreciate you coming in and helping me connect with you. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:36:16 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525397237 michhadl8347 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525405594 I was most impacted by the resilience and independence you showed after you were sent to England at such a young age. The fact that you were exploited and abandoned by your sponsors and yet you remained strong was inspirational to me. In the future, I will remember to be thankful for the opportunities that I have and to recognize injustices so that a similar situation doesn't occur again. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:40:32 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525405594 Bridget Mulcahy https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525407265 Thank you Margot for sharing your story with us and teaching us important life lessons. Something that specifically impacted me from your story was when you said that you don't remember some stuff because of a "mental block". This made me realize how much you have gone through and how strong you are to be able to share your story and share artifacts of yours with us, including letters from your mother. I have learned from you to stay strong and to never live life out of hatred because EVERYTHING you do impacts yourself and others around you. Everything is like a domino effect and we cannot just do one thing and expect it to not have an impact on others.]]> 2023-03-21 13:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525407265 WA https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525410387 It really stuck with me when you said that there is more antisemitism today than there was. This was something I didn't expect to hear and it brought my attention to the fact that there is a lot of injustice in our world today. With all of this injustice and hate shown towards Jews, it shows that much work needs to be done to improve upon this time of resentment towards others.]]> 2023-03-21 13:43:03 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525410387 Philip https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525411512 Thank you for taking the time out of your day to share your inspirational story with the class, Margot. I was most impacted by the age that you completed this journey on as most children that are thirteen are dependent and may not be as willing to learn a different language, country, and living environment. I will use what I learned to understand that there is no excuse and if you were able to overcome adversity of this level, there is no limit for what individuals of all ages are able to accomplish. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:43:40 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525411512 Thank you https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525418276 What I learned more about is the different parts of the Holocaust, such as the Kindertransport. I was heavily impacted by your story after you had gotten off of the Kindertransport. I loved the part where you described trying to have a good time during such a bad time, and why holding grudges is a useless thing. I learned valuable lessons from those parts.]]> 2023-03-21 13:47:08 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525418276 Dear Margot, thank you for coming to our school to tell us about your experiences during the Holocaust. I was impacted greatly when you talked about how kids were taken advantage of in homes and that you had to carry gas masks with you at all times. I will use your story to be more grateful for the life I am living and to make sure every second counts. Thank you, Robert https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525432073 Robert Simmons]]> 2023-03-21 13:54:32 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525432073 Letter to Margot https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525438964 Thank you, Margot, for telling us your story.  It was really incredible what you were able to get through.  What really resonated with me from this story was how your childhood was taken from you at a moment's notice.  It really showed you need to enjoy what you have now. ]]> 2023-03-21 13:58:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525438964 Just to start by saying your story is eye opening. Not only did you survive the Holocaust and Kinder transport but you survived the battles the grief and everything in between. As I was listening to your story I felt as if you made it. You pushed through everything overcame the impossible and are still thriving. You and your story shows me and probably a bunch of others that everything is possible, you will live and you keep standing as long as you overcome those battles and fight and push through the hard times. Thank you for taking your time and coming to our class to share your story it is greatly appreciated! https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525453943 Logan Adams]]> 2023-03-21 14:06:28 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525453943 https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525472091 I think the way that you delivered your message is what impacted me the most because you taught a lot of very good life lessons that everyone in this world can learn from and take into their daily lives. I also think that hearing your story can be a reality check to some people, to understand that they are lucky with their situation right now, and to be grateful that they can experience a normal childhood. Thinking about having to leave my family and everything I have to go to a new country and live with strangers is something that I don't even want to think about, so I think that you showed great courage to take that journey and progress with your life in England as you did. The message saying, "When it's over, let it go" can be an inspiration for everyone to be better people. ]]> 2023-03-21 14:16:04 UTC https://padlet.com/lschaefer1/1jzj8juq3n614nko/wish/2525472091