Education Under Fire

This week the documentary Education Under Fire was shown at Boston University. The documentary is about people of the Baha'i faith that live in Iran that are prohibited to attend college and seek higher education. Teachers, adults, and leaders of the Baha'i people have been arrested and persecuted because of their faith. The documentary discusses the formation of the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) in 1987 in order to provide Baha'is a chance of university level education. Just recently though in May of 2011 the Iranian government attempted to shut down the BIHE. The film features interviews of graduates of the BIHE and human rights activists and tells their perspectives of the story. The documentary was made to inform people all over the world of the struggles of the Baha'i people.

After watching the documentary I felt thankful for the freedom of education that I take for granted every day. Living in the United States we are so lucky that all people have the right to an education.

Not only was I lucky enough to attend this showing of the documentary this week, but actor Rainn Wilson came to Boston University to show his support for the film. Rain Wilson is an activist of human rights and practices the Baha'i faith himself. Rainn Wilson was a member of the panel and was joined by Northeast Regional Director of Amnesty International Joshua Rubenstein, and former BIHE student Mojdeh Rohani.

“I believe education is an important part of being a human being. It’s what makes us who we are, and it’s good for our heart, minds and our souls,” Wilson said.

Overall seeing this film and getting to be a part of the conversation was an amazing experience and has opened my eyes far beyond Boston University and the education I get to have every day.

Book Review: A Secret Kept

The author of the bestselling novel, Sarah's Key, Tatiana De Rosnay, takes us on yet another journey following the life of Antoine Rey in her latest novel A Secret Kept. Where the past is intertwined with the present, and family secrets are revealed, this novel is full of twists and turns, as Antoine is forced to confront his past.

Tatiana De Rosnay does a wonderful job with setting the scene in the story, creating fabulous imagery for the reader. France is a beautiful place and I was able to imagine Antoine’s childhood on Noirmoutier Island through the descriptions that De Rosnay provides the reader. De Rosnay is also able to accurately portray the complications that arise in a family and creates complex characters that seem real to the reader.

Although different from her previous novel, Tatiana De Rosnay is successful at revealing the mystery of yet another subject. Overall, A Secret Kept was a page-turner that kept me wanting more and for that it receives four out of five stars.