On Thursday, March 27, our 8th grade had the amazing privilege of hearing Sami Steigmann, a holocaust survivor, speak to us about his experiences. Sami had no memory of his time in the camps, but had a very unique story. As an infant, he had been cruelly experimented on in the camps, leaving him with medical problems he still has to this day. He didn’t know for most of his life that he even was a holocaust survivor. Sami said that he was in pain for most of his life due to his medical issues. He used painkillers and drugs to numb the pain, but eventually came off of them, which took lots of strength and courage. 

Sami lived in Israel for most of his life after he and his family were freed, but eventually moved to the US. Sami faced many challenges in America. His friends ended up betraying him after he made some poor financial decisions. He was left homeless. This was made even more difficult due to his circumstances.

However, he decided to start volunteering. Volunteering gave him a sense of purpose, and he decided to turn his life around. Because he had no memory of his experience, Sami, for a while, did not consider himself to be a holocaust survivor. When a famous holocaust museum opened its doors to only holocaust survivors, Sami did not go. He eventually built up the confidence, and he decided to visit. There, he met someone with a similar experience to him, and he realized that he was, in fact, a member of this community.  That helped motivate him to join a local holocaust museum in his area. He would share his story to students like us. This also took lots of courage, but Sami learned that to achieve your goals, you just need to go ahead and try. He did just that, and Sami now gives talks to students all over the area, educating the next generation, and making sure an atrocity like the holocaust can never be repeated. 

Sami’s visit taught us many important lessons. His story inspired me specifically, because he was able to overcome his obstacles and become successful, regardless of his unfortunate circumstances. It really helped put my life into perspective. He taught us the lesson that with persistence and determination, we could all overcome our challenges, because he was able to overcome much greater ones. He also told us that someone should only consider themselves to be a “failure” if they do not try to succeed in the first place, if they do not take advantage of their opportunities. Sami stayed positive and was very high energy throughout the visit. It was amazing to me how optimistic he was, and he was very fun to be around. The visit was an incredible learning experience. Sami stated, near the end of his visit, that if he could go back in time and change his circumstances, he would not change anything. Sami has faced many challenges throughout his life, but he conquered them and stayed positive throughout his life. All of his struggles had made him stronger, and have shaped him into the man he is today. I think I speak for the entire grade when I say that I am so grateful for his time. 

Thank you, Sami, for generously giving our grade this once in a lifetime experience.