The Toothbrush Person

This personal journey is clearly evident in the letters each student writes about their “Toothbrush Person.” As an assignment in Global Studies, all students write a letter  - to themselves - about the one person who has had the biggest impact on them. And they are asked to think about this person every day while they are brushing their teeth. In one year, the letters, which are self-addressed, will be mailed back to each student.

The excerpts that follow are representative of the remarkable depth of thought and self reflection contained in all 580+ letters. They require no visuals as they paint their own vivid pictures with words.

 

• “She was 12 years old and she didn’t want to play or talk. She just wanted to hug and be touched…I hope she knows that she is loved.  Remind her.”
• “He showed me his cell... showed me the torture devices that Pol Pot's followers used on him.  He gave me the tightest hug I've ever experienced – I could feel this man’s pain, his anguish…I now know it is my job to inform people of the overlooked genocide that occurred  in Cambodia.
• “I gave her my scarf. Once I did, she had the biggest smile on her face…I was surprised how something so little could make a huge difference.  I’ve realized that I am so lucky to have what I have, and I want to and will help others whenever possible.”
• “She showed me the true meaning of peace and gave me a glimpse of what a peaceful world could look like…I often wonder if she is back on that park bench bringing peace to others as she brought to me.”
•  “You have never been anywhere besides your hometown.  I am country jumping my way around the world.   You want to go to a university. You are 16 and have never seen ocean or desert or water that does not have trash floating in it... I happened to be born in the US to a family that supports me in every way possible… I want to find a way for you to come to my university…I only talked to you for minutes but I will be thinking of you for years.”
• “Never again will I be able to travel and just see the sights. I must engage with the people, with their language, their lifestyle.  I wonder how she is doing now. If anyone else has talked to her. If she is happy…”
• “I live a very fortunate life, much better than most people in the world. And that girl, though her family had enough money to visit India from Saudi Arabia, was clearly repressed by her society. She might have the wealth and education, but not the freedom.  And I wish I could give that to her. I wish I had the words to describe the guilt.”
• ”We asked one of the boys which (cricket) bat he liked. My friends and I paid for the bat, walked out of the store and handed the bat to the older brother who was 14.  ‘Thank you’ he said as he looked deeply into my eyes with gratitude. ..As we parted ways, the last thing we saw was the boys running across the street with big smiles on their faces, eager to show their friends.  It felt amazing to do something for two less fortunate kids,  and it is something I’ll remember for years to come.”
• “The girl was happy to sing and play games, treating the visit as a play date, but now it seems as though the boy was almost tired of playing with the random people coming to observe his home.  And I don’t blame him.  It was really eye-opening to see the orphanage and meet the kids, but I hope next time I will have a way to make a difference rather than to just be an observer.”
• “I came back to the room and touched your frail legs and I never wanted to let go. I wanted you to know I was there and know that you were beautiful. You blew me a kiss and I had to leave.  I realized the privilege I had the next day as I danced.  I got up from you and walked away that afternoon but never wanted to forget how special you were. You have changed me and I don’t even know your name. You have changed me and your face will remain…”
• “This boy reminded me of hope, of love, of sacrifice, and the power of giving. And because I will never forget this little boy who touched my heart, I will never forget these values that so many people avoid.”

Don Gogniat , who teaches the Global Studies class, said that the letters have an impact both now and in a  year  when they are sent back to the authors. He has even received phone calls from students, who after reading their letters are overcome with emotion.  He has hopes of publishing a collection of the letters complete with pictures of the “Toothbrush People.”

 In the words of Gogniat – “Powerful  stuff!”