Lise's Lens: January 30, 2025
This week I am making my way through The Buddha in the Attic, reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and saying bon voyage to our students and staff headed to France tomorrow!
WHAT I’M READING
- I am currently two thirds of the way through the novel The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. Some of you may have read it when it came out around 2011/12 but I had not. Why am I reading this now? Inspired by our own English curriculum, I am determined to do better at diversifying the writers and topics I read about, so I thought I’d jump start my reading year with Otsuka. She is American, but of Japanese ancestry, and writes about the Japanese American experience. This story is about a group of poor Japanese women who sailed (in harrowing conditions) to the United States as “picture brides.” I think she writes beautifully and finds a way to navigate between the collective experience of these women and their individual stories. So far, each chapter hits another key aspect of life for women, especially from the lens of immigrants: first meeting with the future husband/partner, childbirth, writing to folks back home, do you tell the truth or let your family hold on to what they dreamt for you? etc.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I am thinking about the 16 students who are headed off to France for their module abroad tomorrow. For a number of them, this will be their very first experience traveling outside of the United States, and I am so excited on their behalf. I don’t think it is overstating things to say that this trip will be life changing for each and every one of them. I want to thank our trip organizers, chaperones, and all those behind the scenes who have made this possible for our students. Be sure to follow along with their travels on Instagram @cswoffcampus and on the official France Mod Abroad Blog.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- Monday was Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year, the day also served as the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As some have pointed out, this may be one of the final milestone anniversaries that survivors may still be alive for. The commemoration, which featured firsthand accounts from survivors, was broadcast on Polish television, and you can watch it here. It can be difficult to watch, but it is so so important that we continue to revisit these stories and honor the memory of those who were lost. To be honest, I have not finished watching the two and a half hour ceremony. However, I will. There is so much there… between the testimonies, the history lessons, I am reminded of the precarious nature of our world today, and how important it is that we remember what history has taught us not to forget.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
Last week's Black Legacy Gala — which culminated in a Sneaker Ball — was such a fun event! Can you guess the owners of these feet?
More News from CSW
List of 5 news stories.
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.