1. Train Ride to Auschwitz
Boxcar Simulation Activity

2. The following is meant to be a narrative
The following is meant to be a narrative. A narrative is written in first person (you are writing as yourself using the words “I” and “me”). This is not an essay. There is no textual evidence or text details. Write as yourself, staying true to your personality and how you would normally make decisions. If you would normally be selfish, be selfish. If you would normally be concerned for others, demonstrate that. There is no page limit, but I want a story. I want imagery, feelings, etc. Be raw and honest.
This is meant to take place in the 1940s. You must act as if I transported only you and your family to this time period. This means you cannot pack your phones, chargers, music players, game stations, etc. If a material item didn’t exist in the 1940s, it cannot exist in your suitcase.

3. You are 14 years old. Your father’s mother (your grandmother) was Jewish, which means that, by blood, you are as well. (You may determine if you want your family to be practicing Jews or not.) The Nazis have determined that your apartment complex will be deported to work camps. You are allowed to take a single suitcase of belongings with you. The suitcase measures 24 inches wide and 18 inches high. It is nine inches deep (smaller than the average suitcase or carry-on today).
At fourteen years old, you must pick the things you want to take with you. You must assume that whatever you don’t take you will never see again. What would you pack? Why? Are you worried more about monetary value in case you need to trade belongings for food or sentimental value? What do your parents tell you to be concerned with? Are they calm or are they worried about what’s to come? Do they tell you what’s happening or do they shelter you with lies? How do your siblings feel? How do you feel towards them? Are you more concerned for your family or yourself?
Keep in mind, room in your suitcase is limited. Choose your forever belongings carefully.

4. During the simulation, you saw what it was like to have 100 people in a “train car.” How comfortable was it? What kind of thoughts ran through your mind? How did you feel when there were more people there? What kinds of things were you worried about? Would your family (parents, siblings, grandparents) be able to survive the train ride? Why or why not?