Reflections from 2013 - 2014

Looking back to the day when the project was first introduced I was not very excited about it at all. I was just thinking about how much work it would be and how much time I would have to spend on it… And now that I’ve been through the whole process I regret thinking that way because this is by far one of the best projects I have ever done in my life, and the first to really teach me something that I can apply to my daily life…AH

Ever since I can remember, I have been learning about different wars as a student. Students have always learned how war damages countries, takes lives, and turns people against each other. But, we have never fully talked about the emotional effect on the people who experienced it. After speaking to Paul about his experiences, I learned a lot about the emotional effects. I think it is impossible to really understand war until you’ve been in it, but Paul gave me a pretty good idea…Even though I may forget what I learned in middle school history, I will never forget Paul’s stories about his experience. EW

I learned that not all veterans have a story involved with sitting in a foxhole and having your friends getting killed…The Witness to War project was amazing to do and I had a lot of fun, so thank you for the opportunity and I hope that we can remember this forever. RG

The old adage “war changes people” is entirely true. The Witness to War project made this fact abundantly clear to me. The effects of war on veterans are significant, lasting, and life altering. Of paramount significance is the experience of atrocities, death, and loss both on the home front and front lines. SS

Leading up to the interview, I had worried about whether I could deal with the seriousness and emotion of the topic…During the interview, I felt emotions of gravity and curiosity; this was another part of it being a new experience for me… Figuring out how to make a webpage and getting the videos on was also a new, sometimes frustrating experience for me. The presentation was a memorable experience. I felt honored to present Adam’s story to the class. SF

The Witness to War project is a great project for high school students. It taught me how to be patient, how to listen, life lessons, and facts about combat and our country. I also learned how emotionally challenging it is to get someone to open up about awful experiences. SG

When I first learned of the project, I never thought I would learn as much as I did. I learned not only about my veteran, but I learned about the conflict he was in, the culture he experienced, and the atmosphere of the whole situation. Not only did I learn more about the Vietnam War, but I learned about our own country and what it was like to live in that time… While talking with Joe, he explained many different things to us and I can understand it much better when it’s a one-on-one interview rather than reading it in a book. When someone who experienced it explains it to you, you understand and learn a lot more than you normally would. SM

Before doing this project, I had a very different idea of war times or the battlefield in my head, but after watching some clips of interviews and interviewing our veteran, my whole perception of the war changed. It showed me just how much war affects a person. LC

War is always the same. The only thing that changes are the people, the places, the time, and the weaponry. The physical and emotional effects are always the same…War has effects on nature and mankind alike in negative ways and should be stopped…LD

The meaning to being a warrior is much more than people think it is. A warrior does not only have to have bravery and physical strength to go out and fight in a war, but also the idea of putting yourself in danger for your country. Al has made me realize to put others before myself…Overall; this project was not just another school project. Even with a little bit of procrastination, the excitement of this project never faded…I am so grateful that I was able to do this Witness to War project and this should continue throughout the years at Nauset High School. LL

In school, students receive many projects over the course of their educational career, but so few come along that impact and teach about life in a way that this one did… Joining the military is a good way to gain life experience and knowledge of the world, but depending on the events that take place, people can return home as hollow men. BN

What I learned from this project is about how important the brave men are who go to fight for our country…My veteran told me “war is the most obscene thing human beings can do to each other,” and now I think I understand why. EV

I learned so many things about my neighbor that I never knew before. He told of hard times he faced and of the brotherhood of those who serve. He could have talked for hours and hours. The things he said made me appreciate men and women who serve more than I ever did before…the Witness to War project is one that I will never forget. In my opinion, it was probably the most life changing and eye-opening project I have ever done and maybe ever will do. EL

The Witness to War project has been a great experience. It’s like no other project I have ever done and, if I could, I would do it again. JC

I think one of my favorite parts of the interview was when he told us about his childhood. Not only to compare how we lived to how they lived, but to see the true difference of how much has honestly changed. This part of the project changed me. It made me realize how much we should care about our family and not take things for granted, especially the little things. Bill told us that he regrets not remembering these things. He said that his childhood was what he missed most, just relaxing, not having to worry about anything… I think sometimes that I don’t remember the small things, like always hanging out with my family, or with my friends or anything. One day they won’t be there and I don’t want to look back and think I wish I spent more time with them. That’s one of my biggest fears in life…to look back and regret. PP

I never quite understood the hardships of war until I put myself in the shoes of my grandfather, John Gill, a World War II veteran. After my interview with him, I was able to recognize the sacrifices soldiers made, the risks they had to take in battle, and the emotional trauma of war. Every moment that a veteran spends in service is something to appreciate. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this project and I am a better person because of it. EH