Student Reflections 2010 - 2011

No one could have given us a better look at how brutal war was than the veterans everyone talked with. The Witness to War project really broadened my knowledge. BS

I have realized that you can never truly understand what it (war) is like unless you were a part of it. I also believe that people should take the time to acknowledge the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to protect their nation. SS

The project showed me how good I have it living in America and how much I should appreciate what I have rather than wish for the things I don’t have. MM

We also learned about the Gulf War and how the United States was involved. Another big thing I think we learned was how to work efficiently in a group MP

At first, I thought it was going to be boring listening to someone talk for hours. But once my veteran started telling me his stories, it was actually really interesting… Mr. Kimball actually told me he enjoyed the whole experience and he felt good talking about his experience. VM

No wonder some veterans drink alcohol or do drugs. The images that they saw are unforgettable and some very disturbing. IV

To fully understand war you have to experience it for yourself. From Mr. Graham’s experience, I learned that no one comes back from war the same way they went. War changes the way people look at life. SK

Organization is a key factor in a well-done project…This project will definitely help me in completing and succeeding in future projects. MD

I’m happy I got to experience an assignment like this. It was a unique way to approach learning about a war and its veterans. I’m amazed at what I learned about my friend Wayne after knowing him for six years of my life. PC

This project was a long and tedious assignment. It’s definitely not my favorite project, that’s for sure… This project was long, but I learned so much; more than a textbook could ever teach me. KP

It is clear from this project I have learned how to present and better my public speaking skills. CO

There was one point in the interview where I could tell he had a flashback. He was describing hand-to-hand combat. He looked in the one direction, had a glazed look, and got a little lost. BC

I’ve learned that sometimes a veteran’s sacrifices do not affect them until after war. JS

Every veteran deserves at least this one thing said to them…sincerely thank you for all you’ve done, and good work. JD

I’ve thought about Robert’s hardships everyday since the interview, and how strong he must have been to be able to see such tragedy and still go on with his life…Although Robert passed away recently, he will always be remembered for his bravery and passion about his service. GP

The American soldiers during the Vietnam War were not treated properly. JB

I did not expect to learn as much as I did during this project. I knew that it might be shocking what I heard during the interview, but I never expected Jim to open up as much as he did. CS

If I were to give any advice to kids doing this project in the future, it would be to follow the rubrics step-by-step. KB

Too many people glorify war and make it look better than it really is…There has to be some other way that you can prevent such a horrible thing from happening. LM

Without a doubt, this project will have a lasting impact on my life…forever changing the way I look at war. IR

The main thing that I learned from this whole project is to get off of Cape Cod for some time and experience the real world and travel. Like most people on Cape Cod, Gabe thought the whole world was as safe and nice as Cape Cod, and didn’t realize how secluded we are from the rest of the world. JF

By the end of this project, I must say this: Mr. McNamara you are a liar! My partner and I didn’t fight a single time this whole project. SD

The dictionary definition of war is “a state or period of armed hostility or active military operations.” By working on the Witness to War project, I learned that this description does not do justice to the impact war has on involved countries and their citizens. KW

The biggest tip I’d give to anyone doing this project is always be prepared for your interview and make sure you have the right guy for the interview. EM

In a matter of three days, I completed the whole interview and transcript. I’m not going to lie, it was brutal. At the same time, I was overwhelmingly proud of myself for doing it… The part I enjoyed the most was the presentation. I was proud to be able to tell Tony’s story. MS