DSFoundationUSA - OMA_ABT_2020
| The Danube Swabian Foundation of the U.S.A., Inc. Die Donauschwaebische Stiftung der USA, Inc. |
| 7th year's (2020) writing an essay was: |
| How did you/are you applying the lessons from the experiences of the Donauschwaben to the COVID-19 pandemic? |
| and the winners were: |
These are their essays:
| Katrina Annemarie Giannoni Ilyana Smith Stephanie Mayer |
| Katrina Annemarie Giannoni Chicago Donauschwaben I’m applying many lessons I’ve learned from the experiences of the Donauschwaben during these uncertain times. This pandemic and this quarantine have been everything, but easy. I’ve learned to appreciate every person that’s in my life in ways unimaginable. I’ve learned that everyone we encounter and everyone we know has involvement in our journey, maybe not to stick around long term, but to teach us to appreciate what we have when we have it. Life is not an endless buffet of choices. Life throws opportunities or roadblocks your way and if you don’t take those opportunities or handle those roadblocks instead of letting them stop you, you might lose a chance of a lifetime. During this pandemic, one of the Donauschwaben lessons I have applied during this time is making the best of every situation. Our ancestors didn’t always have an ideal living situation or food on the table, but they persevered. They continued to work hard and didn’t let a bump in the road stop them from reaching for their lifelong dreams they aspired to achieve. We can’t always control what happens in our lives, however, what we can control is the way that we handle those situations. If we choose the Donauschwaben way and rise to the occasion we can persevere, be tenacious, and succeed in anything we put our mind to. Life is tough, but so are we. These times we live in, times of a pandemic are tough, but we will get through this. It’s the Donauschwaben way. Our ancestors had highs and lows, rough seas and smooth sailing, but they always counted their blessings and never took a day for granted. They always showed commitment to their heritage and to the ones they loved. Maybe you didn’t see loved ones during COVID for 8 weeks or 10 weeks or longer, but the Donauschwaben had many occasions if someone was at war or if they became separated. It could’ve been months or years that they didn’t see each other, however, when their hearts were true, they persevered and picked up where they left off with a greater appreciation for each other and each and every blessing they were surrounded with. We Schwobs even in the worst of situations are always able to find a sense of gemüchtlichkeit. In times like these, where it seems everything has gone to havoc, I’m forever grateful to have my solid Donauschwaben foundational lessons to keep me grounded. |
| Ilyana Smith German Family Society of Akron Since I joined the kindergruppe fifteen years ago, the German Family Society has grown to be like a second family to me. That is why it has been so hard to not see anyone from the GFS in person since March 14. I have not gone so long without seeing friends from dance since I was three years old. Still, if the GFS taught me anything, it is that the Donauschwaben have a strong dedication to family, and they always work hard to improve themselves. At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in the span of a few short months. It continues to bring hardship upon billions of people. Some have lost their jobs, their homes, their loved ones, and even their lives. Those who have lost none of these must still contend with the emotional toll of isolation, and the economic and institutional turmoil brought on by the pandemic. I fall into that latter category; I am lucky enough not to have lost anything tangible due to COVID-19 so far. Still, as a member of the Class of 2020, I spent the latter portion of my senior year learning on Zoom and talking to friends on FaceTime. I had no in-person graduation, and I am taking a gap year in the hopes that the world might return to a semblance of normalcy. For me, the worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the social isolation. Seeing friends through a screen is nothing like seeing them in person. Yet as much as I wish I could flaunt the guidelines of public health officials for a normal day with my friends, that would be unfair to my family; my parents and younger brothers have been working and learning from home too, and some of them are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than most. And since I share the Donauschwaben dedication to family, I stay home and FaceTime my friends instead. Still, I have not been idle in the time since the world shut down in March. When they completed their journey down the Danube, the Donauschwaben dedicated themselves to improving themselves by cultivating the land under their feet. Like the Donauschwaben, I plan to spend this year making the most of the situation I have found myself in; I will improve myself however I can. I was lucky enough to find a job where I can work from home for the year. I have been using platforms like OpenCourseWare and Khan Academy to further my learning in subjects like linear algebra and chemistry. I never had an opportunity to learn German in school, so I have been using audiobooks to teach myself what I can, in preparation for taking courses in college. COVID-19 will continue to make life difficult for some time. But the Donauschwaben principles of dedication to family and to self-improvement by hard work will help me respond to the situation in the best way possible and make the most of it. |
| Stephanie Mayer Chicago Donauschwaben The time that I have spent at home due to the ongoing pandemic has allowed me to reflect upon and understand my response to this awful situation. I feel that my reactions to the guidelines provided came from the roots of my German heritage. I paid close attention to the directions that health officials provided and adhered to them, isolated myself from those outside of my immediate family, wore a mask when in public areas, washed my hands often, and maintained social distance guidelines. My Donau family carries strong qualities of loyalty, pride, and caring for others. We show loyalty through listening to persons of authority in this situation. We are proud of the good work we do such as wearing masks and social distancing to help decrease positive COVID cases. Shopping for elderly family members and friends, as well as, well-being checks show that we care. We checked in on family members regularly. I reminded them of how important they are in my life and how much I missed seeing them in person. I have noticed that my German roots encouraged me to not waste time sitting around doing nothing. Using my musical talents, I posted videos of me singing alone and in ensembles, as well as playing the ukulele. I hoped that would decrease stress and create some hope and joy during this time. I received a lot of positive feedback which inspired me to continue to use my musical talents and spread joy to others during this time. My Omas speak often of how they got through many hard times while in Germany during the war. They speak about gathering family, playing guitar, and singing. They say that the distraction was always welcomed so that they did not become sad or depressed by what was occurring during the war. This is what I am trying to do through posting videos on social media. Music helps people come together and enjoy being alive. During the war, they would bake bread and share with neighbors in need. They cared for their oldest family members to assure they stayed well both mentally and physically during stressful times of war. My family and I have adopted these values and have put them to use during this pandemic. The lessons I have learned and continue to learn from my Omas have shaped me into a very caring human being. Understanding that making sacrifices to help others often reap great outcomes for everyone. The fact that we have to be going through such an awful time in our lives right now makes me sad. However, it has revealed what is truly important to me: loyalty, pride, and caring for others. There are several ways to express these ideas, and I have spent a great deal of time navigating each one. I am thankful that this time has allowed me to reflect on my German roots and how it has made me who I am today; for that, I am grateful. |
| Sadie Butterfield Cincinnati Donauschwaben Have you ever been in a situation that caused you to learn a significant lesson? Most of us have in our life but this pandemic gives us a chance to learn new lessons. We learn new lessons but we can also use the ones we have already discovered. The Donauschwaben club has taught me a lot of the lessons I have already learned and I have used those throughout the last couple of months. This club has taught me to keep your friends and family close, always have hope, and always look on the bright side. Keeping your friends and family close is one of the most crucial things to do during this pandemic. Everyone is in quarantine which can make it hard to keep in touch with those you care about. We all have begun to use texting, zooms, and other online devices to talk to each other while in quarantine. This virus has been difficult for everyone, including the Donauschwaben clubs and their members. Despite this, our Youth group has held zoom conferences and social distancing dance practices. These things may not seem important but this keeps us dancing and reminds us that even though things aren't normal, we can still get through this. Having hope may seem difficult during this pandemic but we need to stay optimistic that things will get better. Staying active and cheerful will lead to having hope. Our club may only be meeting once every two weeks but we still are like a family. We are all separated, but we know that once we can get together like normal, we will have a fun time. At the beginning of this quarantine, it was easy to give up hope when we didn’t know what would happen. All of us are in the same boat and even though times are still tough, it is easier to have a little bit of hope. Hope is essential during this time and we all must remain positive. This pandemic is challenging for everyone but we need to look on the bright side and stay happy. We have begun making a Covid-19 dance which is a social distancing dance. When we dance we must remember that even when we dance alone, we are still together. Our club has also been changing up dances so that we can dance safely. Even though the Europe trip, Labor Day, and competition were all canceled, we have to recognize that we are doing this for our safety. All of us are upset about those conclusions on canceling but we have to keep in mind that they have good reasons for doing so. Donauschwaben has taught me all of these lessons and many more. The Donauschwaben family teaches all of us countless lessons during our life. We all discover distinct lessons but I have learned to stay close with your friends and family, stay hopeful, and to look on the bright side. The Coronavirus has separated us, however, we are all in this together. |
| Kylie Kapraun Detroit Carpathia Club In the past, there were many government rules and if you broke them there were repercussions. As my Oma said, she was scared to leave the house because of what they would do. When people didn’t follow these rules, they were gone the next day or put in jail. This is very similar to how life is right now. If you don’t wear a mask, you may be fined. During the shut-down, travel was restricted. People were allowed to go to the “essential” businesses; all other travel was virtually prohibited. There was also limited food. Flash back to five months ago and the grocery stores were empty. There was no produce. There was barely any meat, and when there was, the prices were sky high, and you were limited on the amount you could buy. There were absolutely no cleaning products or personal hygiene products. Choices were taken away and people had no say in anything. People were taken from their homes and their homes were taken over. In turn, their businesses were then taken over. Now, about four months ago, all “non-essential” businesses closed. With that comes thousands of people unemployed, businesses not making sales, people not able to pay bills or provide for their families. Now, people can’t make their house payment and in turn, could lose their homes. Many small businesses were closed too long and may never recover from the economic loss that they experienced. The life that we knew has changed and will never be the same again. This has really taught people to be more grateful for what they have in the moment. |
| Jaclyn Klemm Chicago Donauschwaben The Donauschwaben have taught me many lessons that have helped me during the Covid-19 pandemic including, sharing with others, being grateful for technology and spending time with family. My Oma has told me stories about the life they had in the refugee camps after they were forced to leave their homes. In the camps, they had to learn how to work together to survive and eat anything that they could. My Bier Opa would bring home chicken necks and feet from his work so they could make stew. Bier Oma would use the parts she needed to make the stew for their family and shared the rest with friends and neighbors. In return, they were given vegetables from their neighbors gardens, and occasionally someone would share an egg with them. I learned that thinking about the needs of others and sharing is very important. During the pandemic, some people hoarded goods and food for themselves, leaving nothing for others. Thankfully, my family was a part of the few that shared and I believe it was because of what we learned from the Donauschwaben. My family only purchased what we needed to live on and shared what we had with friends and family when they couldn’t find what they needed. We also planted a garden that produced many vegetables and we shared the harvest with our neighbors so they didn’t have to go to the store, exposing themselves more to this horrible virus. During the pandemic, we have had to stay away from others to keep the virus from spreading. This means that I can’t hang out with my friends or go to school in person. I can’t imagine what it would be like without modern technology. I love my phone, it lets me see my friends face to face, without missing them or worrying about their safety. I also have been able to continue learning through online school and although difficult, it has worked out so far. My family and the Donuschwaben had little or no contact with their friends and many had to stop going to school during the migration. This must have been very difficult and lonely. The Donauschwaben could not bring all of their possessions with them when they left their homes, some even had to leave family members behind. I have heard stories from other Donauschwaben about being separated from their family members for many years. I can’t imagine living apart from my family for that long and being alone would be terrifying under those circumstances. During the pandemic, I have had to spend a lot of time with my parents and siblings. Sometimes it was exhausting to have them around all the time, but I was lucky to have them with me. Knowing that my Donauschwaben family has been through much worse, helped me appreciate the food I have to share with others, the ability to use technology to keep in touch with the people close to me and the time my family spent together. |
| Maria Leondardt Cincinnati Donauschwaben Our ancestors and the families of the Donauschwaben Society have persevered and survived through many hardships. Although these terrible times brought about much heartache and difficulty for our families, it also gave them determination, strength, optimism, and perseverance. It is in our blood and our culture to not only survive, but thrive, through difficult times with these traits. Even today, we celebrate these traits, and are proud of our heritage that enables us to face the world we live in today with the Co-Vid 19 Pandemic. We adapt and never give up...because that is what our ancestors have taught us! My family came to the United States as immigrants with very few personal items. They had to work hard for a very long time to build a new life. This was not easy...they worked long days and hard hours doing back-aching work. It took years to build a new life and see the accomplishment of new dreams. They were determined to make it through the difficult times and survive on their own. They had the strength to work hard day after day after day. They were optimistic that they and their children and grandchildren would have a better life. The only reason my family is where we are today is through their perseverance. Knowing the history of my family and how much they sacrificed for me is a constant reminder that I, too, can survive and persevere through our current COVID-19 Pandemic. One of the lessons I have learned is to persevere. With every change and possible fear that this pandemic brings, I must be determined to have courage and move forward.I also realize that it is important to keep things in perspective. My Schwob ancestors have taught me that there will be large and small obstacles in my life, but that I can choose how I respond to them. The difficulties that they lived through remind me to work hard and be determined. With everything that has changed around me during this pandemic, I can choose to complain and give up, or continue to work hard and succeed. Another lesson I have learned is that through hard times we all need to stick together and support one another. We gain strength and optimism from each other, and that is how we will persevere through this Pandemic. It is because of my family that I am where I am at today. My family is everything, and that includes my Donauschwaben family! They have truly taught me determination, strength, optimism, and perseverance. My Schwob family made it through harsh difficulties to not only survive, but prosper! This gives me great hope that we will survive and thrive, too, beyond this Co-Vid 19 Pandemic! Through the example of our Schwob ancestors, we persevere and cling to each other for support. We will make it through this pandemic and continue to pass on to our families the Donauschwaben traits of determination, strength, optimism, and perseverance! |
| Kate Mayer Los Angeles The coronavirus has washed over the globe so quickly over the past five months, destroying all of our normal ways of life in the process. Thanks to the pandemic, we have all been forced to look at our lives at different angles and change almost everything that we have grown accustomed to, much like the Donauschwaben, also previously referred to as ethnic Germans in their time, were forced to. The ethnic Germans had to throw everything they knew about how life should be out the window and had no other option but to run away to try make a better life for themselves, without turning back to see their loved ones that they were forced to leave behind. I have been applying the lessons from the experiences of the Donauschwaben to the COVOID-19 pandemic by learning to be grateful for the health and wellbeing of my loved ones and by cherishing this time with my family during the lockdown. One way that I have been applying the lessons from the experiences of the Donauschwaben to the COVOID-19 pandemic is by learning to deeply appreciate the good health conditions of my friends and family. It is obvious that the pandemic has affected millions of people across the globe and killed many of those whose health conditions already put them at a higher risk of dying, such as those with asthma or autoimmune disorders. In 1944, the ethnic Germans who had been settled in Yugoslavia were forced into death camps, in which the Germans were given zero medical attention whatsoever. This caused many family members and loved ones to get sick and die from their poor health conditions while in the camps. Upon learning this information, I have realized how lucky I am to have family members and friends who are healthy and have not been affected by the virus. Another way that I have been applying the lessons from the experiences of the Donauschwaben to the COVOID-19 pandemic is by learning to not take the company of my family for granted during quarantine. From 1944 through 1948, many Donauschwaben were able to escape from their concentration camps at night, traveling underground to refugee camps in Austria. During the process of escaping, many of these Germans had no choice but to leave their dear friends and even some family members behind in order to free themselves. Many traveled alone with no one to ease their fears along the way. Realizing how little my ancestors had while they were fleeing for their lives makes me so grateful to have the support and comfort of my family during these unprecedented times. This pandemic has not been easy for anyone and everyone has been forced to make sacrifices and change the entire structure of their lives to keep themselves safe and unexposed to the virus. During these tough times, it has helped me to remember that about eighty or so years ago, my ancestors were forced to do something very similar, and that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for their bravery in doing so. |
| Elinor Niemi United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee I would like to say that I applied the lessons uniquely. I used the lesson that we should always look forward, we don’t know what’s coming but it will be better. The donauschwaben traveled throughout Europe on the Donau for the prospects of a better life so we should go with the flow of the pandemic because the outcome will be a better life. I have also used resourcefulness, with the pandemic there has been more need to use food in different ways and re-use what we can so that businesses aren’t overfull. I have used the value of family because we have gone to the store for my Oma because she shouldn’t. I’ve applied the lesson that there is always something to do I just need to find it. I’ve learned and enforced that my Donauschwaben community is my family, they’re always there even when I’m not seeing them every week at dance practices if not more during events. And of course one of the most important lessons, the fastest way to get your mind off a bad mood is a little polka. Using these lessons we’ve learned throughout the years has been very important to me because it helped keep me rooted, it helped me remember that my family and friends will be here for me even while we are apart and this will all be over soon. |
| Tara Nikolich American Aid Society Being a part of the Donauschwaben for 21 years has taught me numerous things, but never in a million years did I think it would help me see the brighter side of things during a world pandemic. As part of a youth group we compete in competitions and create our own dances and choreography throughout the years. Sometimes in a performance or in the choreography process, things don’t go as planned. Thinking on your feet and being flexible is something so key as part of Jugend, as well as in life. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and that’s okay. COVID-19 took the world by storm. As scary and terrifying as it continues to be, you just have to be flexible and adjust to the new world around you. I think the most important thing I’ve taken away from being in Jugend and a part of the Donauschwaben culture is that sometimes it’s okay to put everything else in life on pause and enjoy the people around you. Labor Day weekend is a very special event for our community. I know many people sacrifice so many things and put their life on hold for that weekend. It still amazes me that people from all over the country, and all over the world, drop what they are doing to come together and celebrate our shared heritage. During this pandemic, many of us Jugend members have been stuck at home. On one hand, it is frustrating, but on the other hand, we got to spend countless hours with our loved ones. Normally I would have been away at college for a few more months before returning home. I realized how lucky I was to be able to spend time with my family. As much chaos that has been going on in the world, being with family, friends, and loved ones should always be a top priority. As unfortunate as it has been to have to cancel Labor Day weekend, Oktoberfests, practices, and performances, I know that once it is safe to do so, I will get to see all of my friends from clubs across the country. No matter how much time passes, I know we will all pick up where we left off. Donauschwaben is a family and will forever and always be there for one another. So until then, roll with the punches, appreciate your loved ones, and know that the Donauschwaben community will be there waiting for us all. |
| Rebekah Sachs United Donausschwaben of Milwaukee During Covid-19 I have been applying three main lessons from things I have learned through my experiences at the Donauschwaben. First, I have learned at the Donauschwaben that volunteering is really important and a very valuable part of our youth group experience. We are encouraged to offer our skills in service to the group. For example, we have the chance on some Saturdays to help clean up the grounds of the club or decorate for an event. Also sometimes some of our members need help, for instance, if they need assistance carrying their plate to their table at an event, someone from the youth group will help. I have also enjoyed serving food at many special events that our club hosts. During the Covid-19 Safer at Home mandate, my family and I decided to do some volunteering at a local Feeding America warehouse by sorting food and packing boxes with meals and beverages. Some families don’t have enough money for food, especially with job losses during Covid-19, and Feeding America as well as many other food banks are doing their best to supply these families with the nutrition they need. Even though my experience volunteering at Feeding America is different from what we do at the club, it is through my involvement at the Donauschwaben that I understand how important serving others is, in whatever capacity I can. Even as a teenager, I can contribute to helping important causes, especially when I get together with others my age. Which leads to the next important lesson I have reflected on from my experiences at the Donauschwaben; teamwork. Dancing as a group requires precise teamwork. Working together is essential for everyone to succeed and for our dances to look good. When we have a new dancer in the group, everyone will work with them so that we can be prepared for future events. The group really focuses on dancing in sync, which means moving in unison. We have to work together. I miss practicing with my friends and sharing these experiences together, but I know as our group activities are able to resume, this will help me to appreciate the club and my friends there even more. Lastly, I have learned a lot about cultural tradition at the Donauschwaben. If the younger people in our group stopped learning about our traditions, they might stop keeping the traditions and may fail to pass them on to future generations. The group could possibly stop celebrating traditions that were really important, just because people weren’t educating themselves on the traditions that we know and love. As a club, we unfortunately had to cancel events due to Covid-19. I hope that in the absence of some of our favorite traditions, that the youth will return to our events even more determined than ever to preserve the culture that is so important to us and feel grateful for those everyday experiences, because these opportunities should not be taken for granted. |