Emily Bengels is a middle school teacher of Gifted and Talented students at Readington Middle School in New Jersey. She also is in charge of the Enrichment program in her school. Bengels attended the 2015 Auschwitz: The Past is Present professional development program in Poland led by USC Shoah Foundation and Discovery Education to commemorate the 70th anniversary 

This morning, I stood at attention as our select chorus sang the Star Spangled Banner. Looking at the flag in the middle school auditorium, I paused a moment to feel gratitude for growing up in a country where I have the right to define and redefine myself. I grew up believing I could become whoever I wanted to be. The flag stood tall, as did I. Thank goodness, I thought, that I live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.