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For Members of the Class of 2011, Welcome to Fairfield University! For upper level students, welcome back!
As I read and reflect upon Loung Ung's memoir, Lucky Child, I think of a young girl who immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee of war. This is a young girl who left her family, country, and culture, who was thrust intro a strange new culture and forced to learn a new language. But most of all, I try to imagine what it must have been like to grow up with horrifying memories of war, death, and destruction. I am reminded that we have an external appearance and an internal reality. As human beings we carry our memories and our experiences within us.
Loung Ung's book reminds me of the importance of tolerance and understanding of others, and the value of getting to know someone whose culture, life, and experience are very different from our own. The book reminds me of the devastation of war, destruction of countries, and horrific genocide -- all of which are taking place in our world today. We must as human beings do what we can to work for peace and a better world. I also think of what individuals can do and must do to survive the long-lasting scars of war.
We would love to hear your thoughts about Lucky Child, and we look forward to having the opportunity to discuss the book with you during the first week of classes.
Deb
Debnam Chappell
Dean of Freshmen
dchappell@mail.fairfield.edu
