Nardin Today Winter 2020-2021

10 Nardin Today Winter 2020-21 This fall, as part of their study of World War I, English 10 British Literature students were given the special opportunity to meet with archivist and librarian, Mr. Myron Groover, from McMaster University Library in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and gained remote access to the archives of writer and pacifist, Vera Brittain. Brittain dreamed of becoming a writer and worked diligently to gain a place at Somerville College, Oxford University. Despite her efforts, she later took leave from Oxford to serve as a nurse during the First World War. After having lost her brother, fiancé, and two friends in the war, Brittain dedicated her life efforts to peace advocacy. Through the magical power of Zoom, Nardin students were able to view some of Brittain’s personal papers and writings, including diary entries. In the class’s conversation with Mr. Groover, students were asked to consider what would be in their own archives. They were also challenged to consider themselves as a part of the continuing conversation of Brittain’s memoir and writings in their viewing of the 2014 film adaptation, Testament of Youth , and discussion of her life and legacy. The sophomores were grateful to McMaster University for allowing them (remotely) into such a treasure trove of personal history and to Mr. Groover for his time, knowledge of and enthusiasm for his art and profession, and the kindness he showed. Students also engaged in research of World War I and related the solidarity of the war effort to the current, global pandemic. They modeled COVID-19 public service announcements after World War I posters, taking the opportunity to discuss the difference between public service announcements and propaganda. Describing her poster, Emily Ledesma '23 said, “During World War l, one of the greatest needs was soldiers to help protect our country. Now one of the greatest needs for our country is wearing a mask to protect the spread of the virus. Both of these situations also brought families together during the hardest times.” The class showed impressive and inspiring empathy and conviction as they invested in such difficult, important, and meaningful discussions. Haven Daboll ’23 shared, “History asks us to learn from the past, whether it was a good thing or bad thing, and either try to do something differently and learn from the past mistakes and try to prevent things, or try to do something again.” n A Journey Through History An Exploration by English 10 British Literature students class acts