The Inspiring Life of Janet von Schmeling: A Story of Overcoming Adversity

Janet von Schmeling was born in Germany in 1933, just as the country was about to be plunged into the horrors of World War II. Her family was targeted by the Nazi regime because of her father's Jewish heritage, and they were forced to flee their home and go into hiding. For years, Janet and her family moved from place to place, living in constant fear of discovery. They were often hungry and cold, and Janet missed out on the normal experiences of childhood like going to school and playing with friends. Despite these challenges, Janet refused to give up hope. She found solace in books and in her own imagination, and she dreamed of a better future for herself and her family. When the war finally ended, Janet and her family were able to emigrate to the United States. They settled in California, where Janet began to attend school for the first time in her life. She excelled academically and went on to earn a scholarship to Stanford University. Janet's success did not come easily, ...