The Freedom Writers Diary

After a panel on diversity, this student reflects on the extraordinary lives of the panelists, who were often discriminated against because of their nationality, economic background, or sexual orientation, but who were able to become successful individuals. The person who impressed this student most is Renee Firestone, a Holocaust survivor who later became a clothing designer in the United States. Renee’s family was cruelly killed in Auschwitz, sent to die in the gas chambers. After Renee survived the camp, she left for the United States, arriving in the new country with only four dollars in her pocket. She concludes her presentation with the important injunction to never judge people collectively, since that is precisely what gave way to such a horrific event as the Holocaust.

After the panel, the students are able to dine with the panelists at the Century City Marriott, where Ms. Gruwell has special advantages since she works there on the weekend. At dinner, Renee shows the student the tattoo she was given to identify her during the holocaust and tells the story of a person whose doctor told her to suck the ink out of her tattoo because her number was going to be called that day. This student realizes that everything s/he experienced today is connected to what they have been learning in class, and feels deeply inspired by the people she has met, who make the books they have read come to life.