I started my work with the Foundation as a way to be there for Nazie. I didn’t actually believe that a group of ten heartbroken people could change the way that the whole world thinks about fire safety. Now I do, and I think that says it all.
JUSTICE has only come so far because we had stronger people to believe in us when we could not. Nazie and Reza immediately established important contacts and performed exhaustive research on fire safety equipment and regulations. Kirk and Suzanne took care of what I call the “grown-up” stuff with Kirk’s legal support and Suzanne’s work with our CPA. Additionally, donations began pouring in from around the world in support of our mission. Suddenly, what we thought was impossible was right in front of us, and we had work to do.
Working with Nazie in these past few months was an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I will commit myself to emulating her positive attitude because I saw how it impelled so many valuable ideas and challenging obstacles in establishing the Foundation. Nazie’s positivity was not just encouraging, it was essential. And we already have so many positive developments as of recent to give us a much needed morale boost.
The benefit concert on December 17th was an astounding success. We had a turnout that was almost as impressive as the musical performance itself. Hamed Nikpay wasn’t on my iPod before this year, but he definitely is now. We remembered Jasmine in a way that was beautiful and uplifting, and the result was amplified by so many familiar faces there to show their support. Thank you to every person who made it to Fort Lauderdale. It meant so much to me to see all of you!
Jasmine's friends before their performance at the benefit concert
JUSTICE was also invited to participate in a panel discussion in Washington D.C. this summer during the Standards of Good Practice Institute conference through the Forum on Education Abroad. The Forum on Education Abroad is the only organization whose exclusive purpose is to serve in the field of education abroad, and their Standards of Good Practice are recognized as the definitive means by which the quality of study abroad programs may be judged. Through this incredible opportunity, we hope to amplify our message about fire risks overseas.
We also had the incredible opportunity to meet Grace Flott over our winter break. Grace was Jasmine’s roommate in Paris and was seriously burned in the fire. Having never met Grace and only knowing her through anecdotes from Jasmine, I had no idea what to expect. Now, I have never been more impressed by another person’s attitude towards life, I forget that’s she’s only the same age as me! Grace was unable to speak for a month and a half, unable to walk for three months, and even despite her impressive recovery, she still faces serious obstacles that only someone with her resolve could overcome. Still, I didn’t even sense an iota of self-pity from Grace, only gratitude, generosity, and a desire to honor Jasmine by spending time with those who loved her. I also knew very little about what Grace must have experienced on April 14th before I met her, both because of its inconceivability, and because of my selfish fixation on what I had lost and what Jasmine must have experienced at the end of her life. Now I know- because Grace is also an incredibly honest person- that my new friend suffered in a way that very few people have in their lifetime. Up until this point, my objective for JUSTICE was to ensure that the world wouldn’t have to lose another Jasmine, but now it is just as much about ensuring that another Grace would not have to live through a nightmare. Grace, we are so grateful that Jasmine brought you into our life, that you are strong enough to live through this ordeal, and that we will be able to work with you for years to come.
Megan, Zoe, Grace, and Sarah in December
I am also so proud of all of our supporters for borrowing Nazie’s lessons on positive action and personal strength. Though we saw our community blanketed with despair once more in less than a year, we received countless words of encouragement and donations for the Foundation to help us get back to work, including another $5000 donation from Ms. Greta Faigen. I am blown away by Reza’s resolute determination to continue our mission, and I know that Nazie taught him more than enough to lead us with confidence, strength, and innovation. As is often pointed out, everyone should be swaddling Reza with their love and encouragement, but somehow, he is the one who gives us strength and reassurance. We have a heavy agenda for 2012, and we can’t do it without your help. As it stands, our greatest obstacle is reaching as many students as we can so we can share our resources with them. You can help by liking JUSTICE on Facebook, sharing us on your page or through a message, and spreading the word about fire safety and prevention. With your help, we can have a safer, happier New Year!
Stay safe,
Sarah
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