I-Search Interview #3 Taylor James

Going into the third interview was more nerve racking then the first two. Not knowing who she was made it twice as hard for me to try to control myself being nervous at the beginning. Throughtout the interview I tried my best to not make any mistakes by focusing on the questions i had on hand, instead of worrying about how awkward and uncomfortable it made me feel. After this interview, it occurred to me that getting out there and finding information out for myself was easier and way more interesting then having to sit at a computer and do all the research from there. This experience made me open up more to talking and meeting new people and just the feeling of someone else having the same thoughts and opinions that you can relate to. Try your best to just relax, follow up on good questions, not feel uncomfortable and most importantly have fun!

I-Search Interview #2 Taylor James

My second interview was not as bad as I thought it would be. Knowing the first two people i interviewed made it way more calm and relaxing. I would have to say the only hard part about this interview was trying to figure out more questions to come up with, maintaiting the nervousness I build up right before having to do something, and just making the interview understandable to myself and my interviewee. Having to make up different questions was the hardes part because i did not want to keep asking the same questions and getting the same asnwers. Being really nervous like i am, i try really hard to not make mistakes and to let the conversation flow. When, going into the second interview be sure to make an appointement as soon as possible because learning from the first interview it might be very hard to get an appointment. Another thing, if you are as nervous as you were the first interview, dont be just think of all the positives that you can get from this experience.

The Day that Normandy stood still

You are a French teenager during the WWII, you’ve been on this earth for 17 years. You have lived in France all your life and have come to love it. You’re a good kid, you respect your parents and try your hardest in school and it pays off. You’re about to go into the world and to go get a job. Today is your last day in school, and the kids are saying their goodbyes, you bought your teacher a gift to show your token of appreciation and you talk to her about where your going to go after and what job you think of getting into. June 6, 1944 was your day the day when you. Politically you were part of the French Resistance; you hated the Vichy government, your nations pride was deeply damaged when the Nazis took over. I worked for the allies. You gave them information on what the Nazis intelligence. You walked with a limp because when you were young you fell off the back of a motorcycle when your uncle was driving and another motorcycle clipped your uncle. You unfortunately broke your knee and now walk with a small limp, it’s not too noticeable but if someone looks at you closely they can notice it.
While you’re talking to your teacher you hear the radio about a war going on, you are sick and tired of hearing about these wars so you ignore it. You and your teacher are about to leave, you hear people screaming outside you decide to go check out what was happening, you see a French man running and you stop and ask him what was happening, as he tries to wriggle himself free from your strong grip he gets shot in the head, his brains were spatter all over your face, the other Nazi saw you and he started chasing and shooting at you. You knew you were in trouble the teacher looked up from her bag and saw your bloody face; she just stands there in shock. You run and hide in the closet behind the classroom. The Nazi makes it into the classroom and asks the teacher where you are. She said she didn’t know he hits her with the gun and threatens to kill her if she doesn’t tell him where you are. She says she doesn’t know in a shaky voice. He cocks the gun back and shoots her right between the eyes. You stand there, not able to move then you feel a sharp pain in your left knee the same knee that you broke when you were young. You knew eventually the Nazi would look around the classroom and it wouldn’t be long before you were found. You found the jacket on the hangers and threw them over yourself. After you heard the door open you didn’t dare to even breathe. He opened the door and took a glance. He left right after but you don’t dare to move a muscle until you know he’s gone for sure, so you wait for 10 minutes. You know that you wont be safe here in this school building so you try to go find a way out of it people outside were still running and screaming and you can see the bodies on the ground. You slowly get on the floor and creep up to the edge of the door to peek outside, you see a Nazi soldier walking around near you, you immediately act dead, with the bleeding knee and bodies all around he can’t tell the difference. After he passes by you get up and go to the nurses office in your school, you arrive at the office where the office is and notice that the principle and everything in there has been shot, you hop to the medical cabinet and take care of your wound. You sit there for a while, thinking about what just happened. Then you hear footsteps and the door opening you sit there not able to go anywhere or hide anywhere. You see that they are Americans and raise your hands to show your surrender. You pull out your papers to show them that you were part of the resistance and not the Vichy. You were then taken to a ship where they were taking all the citizens of where the war was.

Family Never Fate Away

When I was fifteen years old the World War 2 started. As a young girl I used to live luxury life with servants around and you could do anything you wanted. When the war started everything in my live changed. But family could never be changed in any situations. I have a brother who is five years older than me. He was the best brother in the world and also my best friend. Whenever I wanted something or I was in troubles he would help me immediately. I lived in Paris the capital of the France with my family. There are four members in my family, my parents, my brother and me.

My daily life before the World War II was brilliant. All I had to do was stay at home with my mother. Sometime I went out to ride a horse with my brother. For the house work I didn't have to worry about it. Everything was done by the maids. My father was a general and my brother was a solider. They both are strong and brave. My father was being busy for the past few days. Sometime I saw him sleeping in his office and sometime he didn't even have time to sleep. I was worry about him.

“Poland get invade by Germany” Father said at the dinner table. Father always tell us the news at supper time. Since we are the allied with Poland , if we go help there were be war. On the other hand, Father worry about something else. Nazi are expanding through out the Europe and he worry that the Nazi will invade France. Later, what he predict was right and there was a war. When the war start my father and brother left home for the war. The maids in the house also quit the job and find the safer place to stay with their family. In the house only my mother and I left.

We couldn't have a nice sleep since the war started. Later the France get surrounded. The situation got even worst. We had never heard any news from my father and brother ever since they went to the war. We didn't know whether they were alive or not. We talked about them each night and we missed than so much. Four years later, France was free from Nazi. But still never heard the news about my father and brother. We considered that they were dead. Even though the war caused their dead, However, they were still in our heart and never fated away.

An Unexpected Experience (Battle of Britain)

Dear Journal,
July 11, 1940

Yesterday was a disaster. My left leg is wounded. I am so thirsty and hungry. It is so dark in the subway and I do not know where to go. Everyone is running around and screaming. Some are badly hurt and are bleeding everywhere. I do not know anyone. All I know is that my husband, William Smith, is out there fighting for our country and to stay alive for this family. I am so scared for him. What will happen if he does not come back to us? In addition, you know what the worst part is? I lost my son, Jayden Smith. Wherever he is, I hope he is okay and I hope to be reunited with him again. All I want at this point is my family complete again. My husband and my son are everything to me and they are all I have.

Abigail Smith



Dear Journal,
July 12, 1940

Two days ago, at about one o’clock in the afternoon, I was feeding my three-year-old son. The alarm was going off at this time. But again, it had been going off all day so I was a bit ignoring it by that time. Then I heard IT. I heard a high pitch sound from about eight hundred feet away. Then it started getting louder and louder and the ground my son and I were on started shaking. I started to panic but I tried to calm down for my son. I grabbed Jayden, a backpack, and took some clothes and food. As I walked out of our house, everyone was trying to evacuate. Kids were crying and mothers were trying to gather as much belongings as they can. Determined to save my son and I, I carried Jayden and started running to the underground subway. As I hurried down the street, it was very frightening to think my son and I can never see another day. However, as I was running to the subway, I tripped and hit my head on a rock from a falling building. The next thing I knew I am here in a subway by myself without my son. I told myself that I have to find him soon or something bad can happen to him. Relieving me, as I was trying to look for Jayden around the subway this morning, I found him in a corner all alone crying. I ran to him and hugged him like I never had before. I felt alive at that moment again and felt more secure with my son. Talking to a man I met down here, I learned that the Germans are dropping blitz, or bombs, all around our city of London. In addition, since Hitler, the Nazi’s leader, succeeded at taking over France, he turned his attention to us deciding to take over Britain too. At that moment, all I can think about was my husband fighting out there. Assuring me, one of William’s friends, whose brother is fighting with William in the army, is with my son and I right now. He said he received a message that his brother and my husband survived the war in France and the evacuation back to Britain called, Evacuation of Dunkirk. I hope everything goes well and William can make it back to us safely. Lastly, I hope to hear about my parents soon. I wonder if they had enough time to escape from our mansion in London. I hope they are still alive.

Abigail Smith



Dear Journal,
July 14, 1940

Life in the subway is getting a little better. I am able to work together with other mothers to cook for our kids. In addition, there are nurses, like me, who are able to take care of those who are wounded and those who need assistance. When it is a little safe out in the city, the young men, who are a small part of our group, would go out and try to look for food and other resources. Additionally, even though there is a big chaos happening outside, it seems like we are quite safe in her. Adding more hope, our prime minister, Churchill, continues to encourage us not to give up using the radio. He explains that we shall never surrender and we will fight anywhere if we have to just to keep our freedom and our democracy. I truly believe in this and I believe we will walk away from this war still having our freedom. Getting more news from the outside, Hitler launched Operation Sea Lion, where Luftwaffe, or German air forces, are sent out to bomb aircraft factories and of course, different cities here in Britain. The Germans will not succeed at this but I just hope my family and I can get through this experience together.

Abigail Smith



Dear Journal,
September 23, 1940

It has been a couple of months ago since the first day the Germans bombed London. Right now, it feels like it is all over. Finally, my husband is able to come back to us and visit for a couple of days. He informed me that they were able to withstand Hitler’s invasion. Even though Britain is still currently fighting Germany, Operation Sea Lion failed and Hitler gave up at trying to take over Britain. As this incident occurred, it proves one thing. Germany and Hitler is beatable. The allies, which are the United States, Britain, and USSR, have hope at beating and stopping Hitler with his evil deeds that he started across Europe, especially with the Jews. I feel lucky that until now I still have my life along with my son. My only hope is for this costly and huge war to end soon and send my husband back to his family. I have hope.

Abigail Smith

Hard not Life

My names Hailey and Im from Britain. Everyone is very scared here and some hope has begun

to get lost. Rumor is The Americans are helping us fight now and have already beaten the Germans. Of course we dont really know for sure, we are after all just factory workers. My

older sis Meg decided she wanted to serve the fighting force. She was a medic for them. I havnt

heard from her in over six months and Im beginning to think that something might have

happened to her. Before she went off she told me that she would not actually be the fighting

areas, but her job was dangerous nonetheless. Our mum is having panic attacks and they were

progressively getting worse as the months go by. I tell her that Meg is fine and that the war was ending now. It has little effect most times, but I just hope it eases her pain. I thinks she is scared because of what happened to her husband and our father Daniel Ferguson. He was killed in the war and my mother was heartbroken and so were we for along period of time. My mum fears the same will happen with Meg and I cant really blame her, but she must not worry so much or she will end up killing herself! Working at the factory keeps my mind off things goin on outside in the world. They started to tell alot of people to return back to their regular jobs though because they would no longer need a surplus of supplies to give out. This was a definite sign that the war was coming to an end.

An Unfortunate Birthday

Your name is Noel Girald, which really means “bold as a spear”. You are living in France, 1914. Today, you are three, but as a horrible birthday present, you have to part with your father. He’s going to war in Germany, and you will have to go live in an orphanage from now on. As far as your memory goes, you’ve never had a mother, or any siblings, it’s just been you and Dad. As the giant truck drives Dad away, you silently sobbed. Soon after, a man came to take you to the orphanage.
The orphanage is a run-down place. Not a place you would want to be. But this is your life now. During your first year in the orphanage, you made a friend. His name was Eli. He didn’t remember his last names or parents; like you, he never met his mother. He’s been in the orphanage for six years. The two of you quickly became the best of friends. You always had each other’s back and did everything together. Eli was like a brother to you, and you to him.
Twenty six years has passed. You are now 28, and Eli 31. You two are drafted into the military to fight a battle in Dunkirk. After fail attempts to stop Germans from invading France, you were ordered to flee in British ships. This event was known as the Evacuation of Dunkirk. Many of your fellow soldiers died, but fortunately, you and Eli survived. You are now safe in Britain, but not for long.
Four years later, you and Eli were again in the military, getting ready to win back France. You and Eli were two of the few French soldiers that survived. You had the first wave. The General had warned you that this mission was fatal, many will die. At first, you did not want to accept this mission. After all, it’s a day before your birthday. After seeing Eli bravely jumped on the small boat, you reluctantly followed after him. The boat was still far from the beach, nearly 5,000 yards away. They started firing. Everyone panicked, but was shot right in the head. The sea runs red with blood. Tides carry dead bodies into the vast ocean. Dead soldiers sprawling on the beaches, covered in blood. Eli and you hid under the dead bodies on other soldiers on the boat and survived that hit. It's times like these where you don't really feel as bold as a spear. As the boat keeps floating towards the coast, Eli peeked to see if the boat was in a safe area to get out. He was immediately shot. Shocked and horrified, you lie still under his dead body and mourn your dead friend, who has been the only family to you.

Forcing in from the water

You lie there for what seemed like days, but only a few hours had passed. A tall man, scouting in boats to find survivors, came and saw you piled under dead bodies. Lieutenant Walter Taylor! You went onto his boat with him, and continued the war. You and the team ran up the beach, shooting at everyone you see. No mercy was given that day. You were shot in the arm twice; you winced in agonizing pain, but continued on.
Not long after, the enemy surrendered. You scout the beach with a few army men, searching for your dead friend. You found him inside of the boat you were in and carried him onto the beach. The next day, he was given a proper burial, along with a few dead bodies that were found. Once again, your birthday was spent mourning your loved ones.

Feeling Helpless Back at Home..

June 10th, 1944
Journal,
It's been a few days since my brother Jeffery has left. I hve no idea where he is, all I know is that he told me her was going to help the good guys get rid of the bad guys. I also know he's going somewhere really far away and mom says that it could be the last time I see him, I don't know what she means by that! Since my dad left us about two years ago just before my little sister Abigail was born, my brother has really been the only man I could trust and depend on in my life. He is really all I have and he's like a best friend to me. Now that he is gone I really have nothing to do and I'm always bored now. I miss him more then words can explain! He was the one I went to whenever something was going wrong since my mom and I don't have a very good relationship. She's mostly focused on my sister and barely makes any time for me or my brother. Since Jeff left I've been curious.. I want to know where he is. I wonder if he'll ever call us or write while he's away. One thing I know is that I hope he's safe and comes home very soon.

July 21st, 1944
Journal,
Last week I got a letter from Jeffery! He was talking about how the Allies are close to fighting off the Axis powers, whatever that means. He also told me he's going to be in Paris soon, get the bad guys out, and set people free. I'm only 10.. he acts like I know what any of this means! Since I was confused I asked mom what was going on and she explained to me that that Axis powers are the bad guys and the Germans, who have taken over a lot of Europe have taken over Paris and my brother is helping the Allies fight them. Now I know what mom meant when she said I may not see Jeff again, she thinks he could die, but after reading his letter I know he's safe and he'll be back as soon as he can.

August 27th, 1944
Journal,
I was listening to the radio earlier when I heard that the Allies have recaptured Paris and that the prisoners will be set free in no time. I'm not sure what that means, but Jeff is over there and it means he will be home soon, hopefully! I can't wait unti he gets home, it'll be the best day ever. Mom still tells me he might not make it home, and for me not to get my hopes up, but I know he will come home and mom is wrong. Since he left nothing has been the same! The house doesn't run as well and mom has been sad most of the time.

September 30th, 1944
Journal,
Now that my brother is finally back home, I'm much happier and I feel like things will soon be back to the wasy they were.. like he never really left. I always ask him what happened and how it was over there, but he always avoids answering the questions. He hasn't really talked much since he's been home, which is pretty strange! He's always quiet and he's always really alert, I can tell something is wrong with him. Since he doesn't want to talk about it, I asked mom what was wrong with him and she says that he has a slight case of PTSD (post tramautic stress disorder). She says it's a fancier way of saying that he may not recover from things he saw or did while he was away.. now I'll never be able to talk about it. I get lonely now since we aren't as close as we were before he left. I really wish he never had to leave...

Not Awkward Enough

   For my third interview, I interviewed my aunt's ex-husband. He was a red-haired, middle-aged businessman who currently resided in Pleasanton. I asked my aunt before if it was okay to talk to him. At first, she hesitated to answer but then told me that it was fine. Her reaction made me a little nervous about the whole situation. It gave me a feeling that this interview was going to be awkward. It was going to be at my parents' restaurant so my aunt was going to be there while i interviewed him. When I did interview him, surprisingly, it wasn't awkward at all. My aunt ignored him most of the time however. He was a really big help despite the awkward tension that was radiating between him and my aunt. I could feel it in the air, it really distracted me at time. I really got a lot out of this interview. By far the best out of all of them. I think that him being younger, and able to speak fluent English really helped the fact that his interview was the most helpful. Although it wasn't as casual and relaxed as the last two, I still enjoyed talking to him about his past. This interview was very filling. I am full. Can I have the check please?

I seriously cannot wait for this whole I-search paper to be over with.

My last interview was by far the most fun. I interviewed a 25 year old woman named Tessa. Her and I really clicked because we had the same personality. She's been dancing ever since she was a little girl and the studio she owns has won many awards. As a dance teacher herself, she even won the title of best dance teacher in California in 2010. I am so glad a relieved that all the interviews are over with! I was so done with the concept by the end of the first one! I am glad that I got the chance to conduct three though.

my life change into vicctoty.

My life which ended in Victory

July 10, 1940

Was up? My name is Abigail. I live in Britain. I have little brother and parents. My parents work and my brother goes in 4^th grade. I stay home because I have to take good care of the house. I am responsible person in our family. Our Prime Minister PM Churchill said, “The battle of France is over, I except that the battle of Britain is about to happen”. When I heard that I thought I should die for my country. My parents said that serve the people, die for your country, live like a legend. From that time I took oath inside myself that I will make my country win no matter what happens. I went for the army test; they just took me in for the soldier. They tested me if I was in the shape to be a soldier. They told me that we have to fight against German army. They were all over us on the land, in the air, even on the seas. I heard lots about the war which was going on around us. We even heard then Hitler invaded lots of countries and he was behind us. Our Prime Minister, Winston Churchill told us we will never surrender. We will fight on the land, on the seas, on the roads, and we will rule the air. It was very nervous point for me at that time because I didn’t want the prime minister to give up his hope. I even got shoot today but I am ok I think. I am sorry for handwriting because I couldn’t write very well.

-Abigail

July 13, 1940

Sorry I couldn’t write from 2 days because you know I got shot on my hand so I could barely move. Doctor told me not to do anything but today we are going on the air. I have parachute on they said if our engine fails we just have to open the parachute and we will survive. We are almost lots of people on the air and in the land too. We all are with our Prime Minister as he said never to surrender. I feel very bad because I have no idea what’s going on with my family. I think they are still living. One of my friend got his engine failed I don’t know what happened to him because parachute can take you anywhere. I wish we can see soon, I’ll talk to you later.

-Abigail

July 20, 1940

Damn, today German tried to destroy our royal air force. They thought if we don’t have RAF, their target was its base than we will not be able to fight. They were losers. We just went against them on the air. We destroyed 15 of their aircrafts. When they failed he RAF and on the land they attacked the area of London. My friend died but, I didn’t get emotional very much because, I know that there were lots of people died. If I get emotional then I won’t be able to fight. Every time think of people who died. They just told us that now we have to go on the air. -Abigail

August 12, 1940

GAF concentrated on reconnaissance mission for larger attacks in the future. The Attacks on the south coast parts, Radar stations and shipping in English Channel are going crazy. After looses we forced to stop all channel convoys so, they can’t do anything and not to import and export. They waited for us on the air for 2 -3 hours and the gas can last for just 10-26 hours so we had chance of staying than engine failing. There engines mostly failed because they didn’t had enough gas in it. -Abigail

September, 1940

Our air defiance remained intact and German’s operation of sea lion was postponed indefinitely. The battle of Britain was Germany’s first defeat of the World War II. The outcome held important implication for the course of the war with the liberation of Western Europe ultimately possible because we became unconquered for them. The determination and resistance shown during the Battle offered hope and set an example of defiance with fuelled morals in the difficult year ahead. -Abigail

October, 2, 1940

The “London blitz” large scale bombing attacks against London and other major cities began. Airplanes factories and other strategic targets were bombing us well. Hitler hoped to break our moral and the wills to fight. The Luftwaffe launched its first major daylight on us. We all got scared that now we are all done. The major daylight raid of London was beginning the London blitz. The Germans switched it night bombing after suffering heavy casualties. Later, heavy raids against us and other countries continued from the Germans. Our kings and queen didn’t fled to other countries they stayed with the country. All the people stayed underground and even the king and his family slept with us. -Abigail

October 10, 1940

We don’t know what to do now. Everything is cleared up but the prime minister said never to surrender. We knew we were scared as anyone else but we had whole country to look behind. I think the German’s are giving up of invading Britain and going to France. They left us they couldn’t even destroy our morals and will’s. We followed our prime minister’s speech and never gave up or surrender. I don’t think that Germany would come back again and invade will never invade our country.

-Abigail

The "Apprehensive" Week

This week was one of the busy week for me, Mark, and for my group members, because many recruits had to live in tents and use temporary facilities. They also endured shortages. New draftees were initially send to a reception center, where they were given physical exams and injections against smallpox and typhoid. That time the draftees were issued uniforms, boots, and whatever equipment was available. The clothing bore the label "G.I.," meaning "Government Issue," which is why we the American soldiers were called "GIs." After taking aptitude tests, recruits were sent to basic training for eight weeks. We learned how to handle weapons, load backpacks, read maps, pitch tents, and dig trenches.

On August 23, we were informed by our American army leader that the German bombers bombed London, the British capital. This attack on civilians enraged the British, who responded by bombing Berlin the following night. The first time in the war, bombs fell on the German capital. that time our leader were making us ready so if the Britain need help we can go and help them. After few minutes our American leader gave us the news about Hitler that, he has ordered the Luftwaffe to stop its attacks on British military targets and to concentrate on bombing London. It put many lives in danger and everyone was scared. Most people thought that they world die. Even i thought i will died when i go to the war. It severely frightened billions of innocent people. Finally, We the "US" responded with the lend leases Act, which is where we would sell guns and ammunition to our Allies.

Although the Royal Air Force was greatly outnumbered, our American leader tell us that the British had one major technology called "radar". By placing the radar stations along its (British) coast, they were able to detect incoming German aircraft and direct their fighters to intercept them. Then days after days with the ability to detect aircraft, the British fighters caused more losses on the German than they suffered. And with the skills of few hundred pilots, they (British) saved themselves from invasion when (on October 12, 1940) Hitler cancelled the invasion of Britain. Their success in saving their country now could be a turning point for the war, since its already the first failure of German war machine.

Thus our week ended up with dealing up with tensions about the event known as Battle of Britain. It mainly is seen as Germany's attempt to gain air superiority over England so that they could launch a seaborne attack again England. Most of the time we were attending meeting and conferences about the battle.Moreover, We were being trained, to go to help Britain in case if they would need it. However,even with less army, British were still able to win the war decimate Germany's air force with the help of their technology such as radar. And finally today i along with my fellow soldiers feel so calm and rested after Britain's victory against Germany.

_ Mark

From Past To Present, You Will Live On Within Me...

It has been a long time since I have spoken to of this to someone, but now I want to tell you of all that has occurred on that one eventful day. My name is General Tristan Lestgrad of the British army front lines during the Second World War with Germany. As a front line commander, my men and I have seen many deaths, ones of enemies and of friends. We have been through much together throughout the course of this war and have bonded through our efforts. As the front line general, I made it my job to try and keep as many of my men alive as possible. That day was soon approaching, and a meeting of all generals was to be held.

We were told that the French and British soldiers at Dunkirk were to be saved, and it had to be done soon and fast. Those retched Nazi Germans had cornered our allies and we were going to save them - I should have been overjoyed right? I knew that many of my men were going to die in this effort, but there was nothing I could do. My commanding officers had ordered me to take them to the front lines prepared for their possible death in this effort. I had one of my subordinates call my men to meet; I was to tell them of their fates.

“My men, we have been fighting for a long, long time now, and now that France has fallen, we are the Allies’ last line of defense. I know you are all exhausted from the battles; however there are still some of our men back at Dunkirk. We have been ordered to go and rescue them-” They all rejoiced and shouted in happiness that their fellow soldiers were to be saved. “-As the front line… we are the first to enter battle and the first to meet the enemy’s fire power. Men… there are many of you that will not be coming back….” They quieted and their faces looked grim. “Please, take tonight to write to your loved ones. We set out on our journey over the English Channel at o’six hundred tomorrow… that is all, you are dismissed.” My heart was heavy as I walked toward my quarters.

“Thank you…” I turned at the low, shocking words. I saw my men all saluting me, their faces covered in respectful pride and smiles that spread wide across their sullen faces. These men who knew they were to be faced with death were now saluting me, the man who has sent them to their deaths. Even to this day, I will never forget their loyalty, respect, and above all, bravery.

The ships came in abundance as we all approached the shores of Dunkirk. My memory is old, but the looks of those French and British soldiers as they saw us come closer was one of sheer joy, there was no way to explain it other than that. The only thing we had left to do now was to get our men out there into the water, reach the shore successfully, get those stranded soldiers across the waters of the English Channel, and safely retrieve our own men. The front line was first; I told my men that as soon as the ships stopped, they were to go into the water, swim as quickly as they could to shore, get all the soldiers across safely, and if any of them were to fall to enemy fire, another soldier must take up their position as quickly as possible. The ships stopped, and all of them were off. One by one, the lines that were tethered to my men reeled in those poor soldiers, and as I helped them get on board, I could see some of my men falling under the waters surface. My heart pained, I had wished it was my life instead of the lives of these young soldiers and fine men.

France had fallen in early June on the 14th and were surrendered to the Germans by the 22nd of 1940. From 1940 to 1944, France was under the control of the Germans. However, from May 26th till June 4th of 1940, we were on those waters slowly rescuing 338,000 French and British soldiers. So many were saved due to the bravery of my men and many others, even so, many died as well. The last few men from those stranded beaches had finally been brought on board our many ships so I had been looking for my men who remained still on those shores with tethers attached to their bodies. My heart was racing as my men slowly boarded our ship; many were wounded, and some close to death. The only deaths I had counted among them were the first deaths in this battle where some of my men slipped underneath the waves of the English Channel’s waters. As the last of my men boarded, there was one still in the waters - Trace Gerald; the youngest of my men and probably the most brave of them all. He was one of my close friends as well as a sort of younger brother to me personally. He was the baby of our troop, but no one looked down on him, in fact they all admired him for his continued courage and bravery. Some nights, he and I would stay up late watching the stars and sharing stories of our lives back at home. He was a young lad who had married a beautiful gal and raised a son of 7 this year. He invited me to visit once the war ended and I agreed eagerly, but now, that same happy-go-lucky lad was swimming for his life across the rigid Channel waters while the Germans shot nonstop at him from behind. I shouted at him to hurry, to make it back so that he could celebrate his son’s 7th birthday and all the birthdays from that year onward. He finally reached the ship, exhausted from his swim as I can easily understand, but the moment his hand reached out to mine and I grabbed it, a German soldier shot him through the back. His body tensed and then went limp as I pulled him aboard and the gate rose to protect us from further harm.

“Solder, you better stay awake! That’s an order!” His limp body was starting to grow cold as his hand grabbed the sleeve of my uniform.

“General Lestgrad, sir. Permission to speak freely, sir.” The stupid lad, following regulations till the end; he is hopelessly young and dedicated.

“Granted soldier… my best friend… speak freely….” My eyes quivered with tears as his mouth filled with blood and tears from the young lad’s eyes. He spoke with obvious pain, but it was something he felt he needed to say, and I wasn’t about to keep that from him.

“General Lestgrad, you are our precious commander and we will all always cherish you…” he paused to choke on his own blood.

“You fool…” My tears choked back my words as I grieved his undeniably cruel fate.

“General… after I die, I need you to do me a favor…”

“Anything, soldier…” He was giving me his will, and I wished he wouldn’t have to.

“After the war is over and 10 years have passed, please take my ashes here and scatter them over the waters of the English Channel so that I may go with all those who lost their lives here.” Dedicated as always, the stupid fool.

“Will do, soldier. You have my word.”

“Thank you, sir. And also, tell my son and wife that I died thinking of their happiness after we won the war. Tell them… that I will never leave them, that I will always be watching over our son and that I wish him a happy birthday.”

“Will do… I will make sure they get your message….” He coughed up more blood, reached his hand up and wiped away my tears before his hand fell to the deck. His eyes closed and his smile stayed strong as his life faded away and I held him tightly bidding him farewell in silence.

After that battle, the whole tide of the war changed in our favor. Not long after France got liberated, the war ended with a ripe victory for the British. I lost many men throughout that time frame, but Trace’s last words never fell on deaf ears. It has been 10 years since the end of the war and I am back at the waters of Dunkirk and the English Channel to fulfill my long awaited vow to a precious friend.

“General Tristan Lestgrad, sir?” said a young lad of 17 standing next to me.

“I’m retired now, lad. What do you need?”

“He was a wonderful man wasn’t he?”

“Yes… and very brave. He was my most trusted friend and a true soldier.”

“Then one day, I’ll be as brave as he was. Maybe I might even meet a General as cool as you!” I laughed.

“Yes, maybe you will. Just take care of yourself first, my boy; he would haunt me for the rest of my life if he knew his son had gotten hurt. Now come along, lad. Your mother is waiting at home for us to return. She is making a feast to celebrate your father’s courage 10 years ago.” Goodbye my friend, and one day, we will meet again.

"Not All Germans Follow Hitler."

My name is Vilhelm Schneider, and I am 15 years old. I live in Munich, Germany with my parents. My brother, Otto, who is 20, is a Nazi soldier fighting in France, but he said that he would try to meet up with us in Switzerland soon. My parents are afraid for him and for us. That is why we are going to Switzerland.

My story starts in 1925 when I was born. My brother was 5 years older than me, so he always looked after me. We were a very close family until I was 8 or 9. My brother started hanging around with older kids who wore uniforms and marched everywhere they went. He started talking like only the German people were the master race and things like that. My dad said that it was because of a man named Hitler. When my mother came walking home one day with our neighbor, Mrs. Weingard, my brother told her to stay away from Jews or he must turn her in as a sympathizer. My brother had joined the Nazi party and wanted to fight with the army to expand the Third Reich, and so he did.

Otto fought under General von Brauchitsch in the German Fourth Army, which was to continue the attack against the Allied forces at Dunkirk. They were ordered to "halt and close up" seeing the Allies were trapped. This allowed the Allies to build a defense to the approaches of Dunkirk, the main evacuation port.

They thought that at the most only 50,000 troops could be evacuated from Dunkirk, but miraculously over 380,000 troops were rescued. Otto was touched by the bravery and spirit of the French troops who chose to stay and fight with him. They would rather be captured than abandon their homeland. Otto was also touched by all the fishing boats and cargo ships who came to rescue the Allied troops. Otto had second thoughts.

After the French surrendered there was so much going on that Otto had his chance and ran away. He met us in Switzerland where we were all happy again.

He told us stories of the fall of France. When Belgian King Leopold III surrendered, the gap left by the Belgian army stretched from Ypres to Dixmude. The Luftwaffe did its best to prevent the evacuation, but failed. On June 14th Paris fell. Rommel and his 7th division headed west over the Seine River through Normandy and captured the port of Cherbourg. Otto headed north to meet us in Switzerland. He had enough of the war and blood and insanity of it all.

We all hoped and prayed that soon we could go back home to a Germany the way it was before the Nazis.

Don't Be a Hero

I was borne to my Mama, Papa, and sister Manya on February thirteenth of the year nineteen twenty-five, the third anniversary of brother Valerii’s birth. During my childhood, I spent every free moment doing odd jobs for money for the family, while Mama and Papa worked for a factory downtown. Once sister and brother were old enough, they worked in the same factory as Mama and Papa, but I stayed home to clean, cook, and mend both the house and any worn clothes. I spent my days as the care-taker, though I was the youngest, and when I had fallen in love with a Jewish refugee, Lyuba, Mama and Papa let me house her only because they knew it would make me – and them – happy. It was a normal day, when the six of us were celebrating Manya’s birthday. We were feasting on many of sister’s favourite dishes – many with too much lard as she liked – when I went down to the cellar to acquire another jug of milk, my world shattered. Everything, everywhere, exploded. The ceiling crashed in above me, but I was lucky – oh, goodness, too lucky – and only a few boards fell upon me. As I crawled out of the rubble, I realised I had bruises everywhere and a broken arm. Nothing, nothing, is worse than making it alive when you know the one’s you love had no chance.

I found warmth and food at a shelter out of town; they tended my arm and let me rest. It was the Germans they said, another attack towards civilians. It is easy to forget the war when all you love has remained untouched by evil forces, when life seems too simple for anything to touch it – like a flower, who could think to harm it? But nonetheless, I had known the truth all along and had no excuse for my willing ignorance. A sudden shame came upon me my third day there and I ran from the safest place for miles, running away from the kindness and pity I did not deserve – I could not stand to do nothing, and even if I could not be a hero, I could be a help. Immediately, I asked anyone who would listen where I could go to join the Russian army. By the time I found my way to the sniper’s training grounds, it was nearly light out, which was rather late for this far north in December. I was hungry and my arm only barely mended, but they gladly took me in. My shame of ignorance and pride of willing made me train harder and more quickly than if I were unmotivated.

Soon enough, I was sent to the battlefield; I was perched high so I could see my targets, and gladly away from the bloodshed. The key was to shoot at other snipers before they could find you, all while neutralising generals and other high-ups and threatening soldiers. I can’t recall where my team was originally stationed, but over the course of about a month, we had only moved farther east and south, always moving back. I was loosing my morale, but plastered on a calm composure so as to not discourage others; always being pushed back was weakening my arguments for not allowing myself to run away, but that would be too easy, wouldn’t it? February second, nineteen forty-three – the day no-one of this era could forget, the day the tables turned and spirits rose, the day grand ol’ Russia defeated the Germans and four other countries at Stalingrad. But there were still battles to be won and a war to end. Many were injured and the smell of death was commonplace, but we had all the hope and pride we needed. A few days later, I was hit by a rival sniper in the shoulder. It tore down my arm, grasping for as much flesh as possible, but I shot the villain in the head once his position was compromised, and promptly passed out.

I woke to a questioning nurse -- old, but kind. I told her I was Anja Alexis Volkova, from a town north of Kostroma, one bombed in December, and to find a purple flower such as one of the ones that had grown in the sidewalk cracks – pretty little weeds they were – before they buried me. She only told me the war was over, and that there is hope that I live; I told her to discontinue her optimism, but she only told me to shush and dabbed my sweaty brow. After I healed, I no longer could shoot at enemy forces, so became a medic instead. It left me with much time to think, time I had not before. Time to think about Manya and how the word “rebel” really did fit her, almost as well as “love” fit for Lyuba, her eyes containing enough love to end the war, though she never had the chance. How Mama and Papa would be proud I had seen harshness and not taken the easy route and lived a coward, I could almost feel brother’s strong pat on the back. Yes, the hardest part is being left behind, but the best you can do is not try to become a hero for a country. Become one for yourself.

Anatoly's journal

Dear journal,
Today May 15, 1943

Hello, I decide I write to you since I have huge chapter of me life ahead of me. My papa and mama are big nationalists. They love Russia. Papa says all the time "my boy, there is nothing i want you to do for me more than become of the army" you need fight for our beloved & precious country. Eventually I was forced by papa and family to join. Two years ago, it was invasion and fall of France. Hitler hoped Britain would agree to settle war. We all had feeling that not happen. So I felt like it was best time to join. Just in case Russia got in something.

Dear journal,
Today May 16, 1943

I forgot to tell you who I am, I might be famous in the future for my journal entries. My name Anatoly Demidov, I am young boy of 19. I live with papa, mama, and pregnant sister. I have finished my school, I not sure I'll be put through college, since I am apart of Russian army now. I've dreamt of moving somewhere else always. I want to experience life outside of my country. Those silly dreams of mine are crushed now. Although I'm going through this and changing my life for my father, he still doesn't have one bit of respect for me. He says that I'm not true Russian and that I will never make it in the army. You probably thinking if I will go safely through the upcoming events. To tell truth, I am scared very much. I will try writing soon.

Dear journal,
Today February 23, 1944

I haven't wrote in long time. I explain now. My sister has brought beautiful baby girl into world. We named her Vania. She is most precious person in my life. I got caught up with Vania past months. The crew I'm with has been getting ready to go into battle, probably next month or after. I'm terrifiedto tell you. I don't want anything happen to my family and young Vania. I love her like my own, I write soon.

Dear journal,
Today May 28, 1944

My general/embassador telling us to be prepared. For what, we don't have clue. It's like he has idea of something happening, We sleep at camp tonightm just in case. Very many things are going through my head right now I dont want to be here. I love my Russian people and country but I'm forcces to risk many things. Hopefully I'm alive to write down my experiences. I share my bunk with boy named Bogdan. I wasn't paying attention his talking of his past and background of his lastname. He is very nice man, says his name means gift from god.

Dear journal,
Today June 7, 1944

Yesterday was worst day of my life. No words can explain what happened. There was so much bloodshed. I'm missing my left arm. Nothing compares to this pain I feel. Yesterday was invasion of Normandy. So many people died and lost life. The U.S and Britain launched the invasion. Said to be the greatest single allied operation of World War 2. This operation was postponed before and final date turned out to be June 6th, 1944. My arm is not there anymore and the left side of my face is is burned very badly. There were 6 divisions who participated in teh initial amphibious assaults. 61.7 miles was the total width of the destruction left from D-Day Operation Overlord. My family was near, I no longer have papa, mama, and sister in my life. No life or family for me here in Russia anymore. Luckily baby Vania was at the neighbors house for the day. I'm planning on taking Vania and moving, far away from these horrid memories.

Dear journal,
Today is November 29, 1944

I'm on boat right now. I'm hoping to call America my new home. I have brought Vania with me. We're going to live in Albany New York.

Brida I-Search Interviews

My interviews are going great so far. everybody I've interviewed has turned out to be really chill and cool to be around. So far Ive interviewed 2 people with 2 totally different backgrounds and enjoy the same stuff and rap for similar reasons. both started rapping very young with friends from the nieighborhood they grew up in. and both have started to blow up in their late teens, early 2os. I was nervous at first bt I got over it..lol

I-Search Interview #1 Taylor James

So my first interview went really well. The questions i came up with kept the converstion moving. Some questions i asked were what schools they attended to? How many years does it take to complete the standards needed to become a Psychologist? As i was asking these questions, my interviewee had alot to say about each question so the whole interview easy and very informational. I think the only hard part of the interviewing was making up the questions. It was hard because i had to make sure that they made sense and i was not repeating the same questionw twice. Also, coming up with enough questions to ask to make sure i was getting all the information i was curious about and needed to know. Some advice i would give is to give your self between coming up with your questions and your interview. Read over your questions out loud to make sure they make sense and are not confusing. Also,when listening to their answers make sure you wait til they are done with what they are saying,then add on or start asking your next question.

Second Take

This was one nerve wrecking interview, compared to the first one at least. This one was with my aunt, who had previously owned a restaurant before being a waiter at my parents' restaurant. She has a slight problem with pronouncing words correctly so I had to pay attention very carefully to really get information out of her. We sat there in the same spot as my previous interview, having some memories flashing back to me. I reminded myself that in order to make this interview successful, I had to focus more on the person I was interviewing. The interview went well. There were times where I had to politely ask her to repeat what she had said but other than that, everything was perfect. I even had time to ask her about how her current job was doing. I felt very confident after the interview that I had all the information I needed. To maybe improve my interview, I think I could've had a little time before to get used to the way she spoke before asking the important questions. I feel another step closer to the completion of my I-Search Project, which lifts another weight off my shoulders.

2nd Interview Down for the Count.

I Scheduled this one a bit late. It was on a Tuesday. I called John Barton, an architect on monday afternooon to see if he would be available. I got an interview for 4:30 the next day. I was pretty nervous and had the gut feeling on the ride there. As i entered the house i kind of calmed down a bit after seeing what kind of person he is. When we got to the table i just asked 1 question at a time getting about 10 minutes of response each. I was listening carefully but at the same time everything in my vision seemed to shrink down. I still however managed to get all the info down. And before i knew it about an hour later. The interview was finally done. I have one more to do and the hard part of the I Search Project will be finally over.