Oh my gosh! I remember visiting and seeing the classrooms in your basement. I thought they were so cool. I didn’t know that’s how it all came about. What a huge responsibility to have to take upon at such a young age! And you had to teach 🙈 I always admired your easygoingness and smile despite everything you guys went thru. (We had some similar experience as you probably know)
I remember the year you were pulled out of school. We were supposed to be going into 6th grade. I'd always thought we were friends in elementary school because our birthdays were only one day apart. You had such a cute smile and laugh, and you were never mean or competitive at recess like the popular girls were, so I'd really been looking forward to playing with you again when the school year started.
They had a desk put out for you but it stayed empty. At first I thought you were just sick the first week of school, but eventually I asked "Where's Yehudis?" And was told you weren't coming to school anymore. I didn't understand. I felt so sad. No matter who I asked, no one could tell me where you were. I felt hurt, like you'd just disappeared out of nowhere without even saying goodbye. I always hoped you would come back next year. Now finally, fifteen years later I know what happened. I can't believe how much you were suffering when we were just kids.
I'm so glad you got out, and I'm awed by everything you've accomplished. You are amazing. And I'm glad we got to be friends when we were small.
Yehudis, this is the most moving essay I've ever read from someone I've met. I'm blown away by your words, your courage, and your strength. I hope you plan to write a book one day. I'd gladly be your first customer.
Whoah, what a powerful story of reinvention, and so elegantly written - thank you for sharing!
It's fascinating how modern education is, in so many ways, broken, yet still a formidable tool, a ticket out of situations like the one you describe.
This made me think of Tara Westover's "Educated": different religion, similar limitations on personal freedoms and the inquisitiveness of the mind that makes us human.
A harrowing, intense, heartbreaking, hopeful and inspiring story Yehudis! Thank you for sharing this with the world!
Thank you so much for reading and for your reflections on my essay <3
This gave me goosebumps, Yehudis. A moving, powerful story. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more of your writing.
Thank you, John. I appreciate your reading and sharing your thoughts.
"Write the essay only you can write."
Safe to say you accomplished the mission, Yehudis. Beautifully said and shared.
Thanks so much, Matt. That means a lot.
Oh my gosh! I remember visiting and seeing the classrooms in your basement. I thought they were so cool. I didn’t know that’s how it all came about. What a huge responsibility to have to take upon at such a young age! And you had to teach 🙈 I always admired your easygoingness and smile despite everything you guys went thru. (We had some similar experience as you probably know)
Sending you lots of hugs! Menucha R
Menucha!!! It's so good to see you here!! <3 Thank you for your sweet words
I remember the year you were pulled out of school. We were supposed to be going into 6th grade. I'd always thought we were friends in elementary school because our birthdays were only one day apart. You had such a cute smile and laugh, and you were never mean or competitive at recess like the popular girls were, so I'd really been looking forward to playing with you again when the school year started.
They had a desk put out for you but it stayed empty. At first I thought you were just sick the first week of school, but eventually I asked "Where's Yehudis?" And was told you weren't coming to school anymore. I didn't understand. I felt so sad. No matter who I asked, no one could tell me where you were. I felt hurt, like you'd just disappeared out of nowhere without even saying goodbye. I always hoped you would come back next year. Now finally, fifteen years later I know what happened. I can't believe how much you were suffering when we were just kids.
I'm so glad you got out, and I'm awed by everything you've accomplished. You are amazing. And I'm glad we got to be friends when we were small.
Elana,
This means so much to me. I feel you speaking to the 11 year old in me. Thank you for sharing this.
And thank you for being such a supporter of my writing when I was a kid. I randomly hop into our old emails - they bring a smile to my face.
Hope you've been well and thank you for reading <3
Yehudis, this is the most moving essay I've ever read from someone I've met. I'm blown away by your words, your courage, and your strength. I hope you plan to write a book one day. I'd gladly be your first customer.
Alexandra, thank you so much. ❤️
This is so well written it makes me weep. I just read it now, and it left me quivering. Well done, Yehudis. Kudos.
That means so much to me, thank you <3
Whoah, what a powerful story of reinvention, and so elegantly written - thank you for sharing!
It's fascinating how modern education is, in so many ways, broken, yet still a formidable tool, a ticket out of situations like the one you describe.
This made me think of Tara Westover's "Educated": different religion, similar limitations on personal freedoms and the inquisitiveness of the mind that makes us human.