YCP Librarian Remembers Afghanistan As Community Reads ‘One Book’
Posted September 6, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YORK, Pa. – "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country” – President John F. Kennedy.
YCP librarian and 1973 graduate of York College, Susan McMillan, remembers the impact that statement had on her father, Wendell, who was at the time working for the Department of Agriculture. He wanted to make a difference.
In the mid-1960s Wendell McMillan, a 1943 graduate of York Junior College, took his family to the Middle East so he could help farmers in developing countries produce better crops.
While in Jordan, Susan attended an all-girls high school. The class spoke English to prepare them for universities abroad.
After finishing high school in Rome at an American boarding school, Susan came back to the United States to attend Skidmore College and her family moved on to Afghanistan.
During Susan’s summer breaks in 1969 and 1970, she joined her family in Kabul. She worked in the Consulate in the American Embassy.
“If anyone from Afghanistan needed a passport or visa to enter the United States, I would help them,” Susan says. “Also, if United States citizens had a problem or were in trouble, I was there.”
With the war going on, Susan doesn’t see herself going back anytime soon. However, she does believe that it was a great experience and her safety was never compromised.
“I felt as safe as you could be in any city,” Susan says. “It was a positive and exciting adventure – something completely different.”
Including the food.
“There were no McDonalds and Burger King on every corner - there was virtually no fast food at all,” Susan says. “People ate dinner in their homes, meals that consisted mainly of rice and lamb dishes.”
With her memories beginning to fade, Susan is glad that, like her, other York County residents are getting the opportunity to see a different side of the Middle East.
The “One Book, One Community” reading program is not only sparking Susan’s interest because she is, of course, a librarian but because the book, “The Kite Runner,” is offering another glimpse into Afghanistan.
“I enjoyed the people and the places,” Susan says. “It would be great to find out what everyone else thinks.”
Schmidt Library on the campus of York College is currently displaying Susan’s wardrobe and other artifacts from Afghanistan in an exhibit through September 21.
Please call Amanda Hickey, 815-1439, for hours and more details.
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