Testimonial - Tracy Yoffe

Contents

Mr. Khamisa,

This letter is coming to you from a teacher who has been greatly affected by the powerful assembly performed by the Tariq Khamisa Foundation at Spring Valley Middle School on Thursday, June 13. We had an opportunity to learn of the great tragedy you and your family endured and the shocking resolution of this horrific act. Our students were amazed that you, Mr. Khamisa, were able to forgive the man responsible for this tragedy.

It was after the assembly that I had an opportunity to speak with you. I found that I was emotionally affected by the story presented to me and I needed to speak with you and find answers to the many questions that arose during the presentation. I learned much about human strengths through you and your story. We truly are capable of far more than that we give ourselves credit for. When my 7th grade class entered my classroom after having seen the assembly themselves, I realized that they, too, may have had some unresolved issues. Therefore, we had a lengthy discussion about your story, along with that of Juan. Many questions were proposed, and many stories were told about my student's own tragedies. At the end of our discussion, I asked the students to write to you how they felt about the assembly, what they liked and what they would alter. Therefore, you will find enclosed the written comments from my students. I hope they will be helpful to you as your foundation plans future assemblies.

Mr. Khamisa, thank you for having the courage to tell: your story to so many audiences. Thank you for opening our eyes to the ever-increasing violence that we typically choose to ignore. And, most importantly, thank you far telling those students who really needed to hear from you that it is okay to mourn and therapeutic to forgive.

Tracy Yoffe,
Spanish Teacher