An Interview with Susan Jezek

Interview conducted by: Jake Huling and Sendy Garza

While Susan Jezek was raised in the United States and Ecuador, her journey began with her parents in Prague. Susan and her parents fled Czechoslovakia during WWII, leaving behind their family and friends. In this interview, Susan recounts her parents' journey and the resilience they showed while Susan grew up.

Interview

This interview was made in collaboration with Department of History in University of Houston and Czech Center Museum Houston. The following text is the verbatim transcription of the oral history project.

October 23, 2019

UH Interviewer: Nice to meet you. I am Jake Huling and this is, Sendy Garza. We are currently students at the University of Houston, and we will be conducting your interview today. Thank you for being here today.

Susan Jezek: You’re welcome, thank you for having me.

UH Interviewer: Could you elaborate a little bit more on your family life, and how you feel that impacted you specifically? and how it has created the person that you are today.

Susan Jezek: My parents were both born in Prague so I have the Czech heritage. They carried such pride in the culture and their home in Prague. My dad actually spent a lot of time in Vienna, it was very special to them. Because of the different wars and things happening then, they had to move and leave family. That was probably the hardest thing, and it's hard on me because I never met my grandparents. My grandma died right before we got there. In 1968 my mom and I went to visit. We actually she was kind of funny, I guess she was trying to calm me. We passed by these huge tanks everywhere and guys in uniforms and all that. She was trying to tell me that everything was okay, I knew it was not. My dad was here nervous, he was watching tv and he didn’t know if we would ever come back. So, it was traumatic for us to see that. My mom and I actually got on the last Czech plane out and then we caught a flight back home.

UH Interviewer: How old were you at this time?

Susan Jezek: It was in sixty-eight, so I was little like a teenager while my dad was seeing it on the news. He is a worrier, kind of like I am, I got that from him. It was really devastating for him to see it. Not only did we get out on the last Czech plane, we had to find a connection flight, because then you flew to make a connection to the US. It was not in good shape on top of that, so that was really the most frightening experience that I had. Although, my parents lived through you know World War II. My dad was born in 1913 and my mom in 1922. They went through a lot of trauma there. Through different wars and things like that and different revolutions and things. So, it brought back flashbacks to both of them. 

My mom was trying to hide that we were seeing tanks. We toured castles and all that and she told them don’t tell Susan that those are tanks. Like really? So, at the castles as the guards the Russians were taking over. Then we were visiting the castles and they would pull a rope down; you know to count to let so many people go. They separated me from my mom and from my cousins so, I flew underneath the rope and ran as fast as I could. The Russian guards spoke to me and I spoke back to them in Czech and it shocked them that I knew Czech. Because, once you are Americanized you are Americanized. We tried to dress like they dressed. We still stood out; it didn’t help that my mom had flower shoes. They don’t have those there, but you know, they couldn’t tell that my parents lived there. My mom lived there but they couldn't tell, I mean we knew the language. So, I just kind of told the guard to buzz off and I just ran under the rope. And I said no those are my cousins and my mom, and you can’t separate me, and I just ran. They gave up running after me. I don’t know why but, yeah that was like the most traumatic experience that I had. Nothing like what my parents of course went through.

UH Interviewer: Wow.

Susan Jezek: Yeah so, they came they left to go to Ecuador because the war was so bad. The communist rule was so bad they kept coming in and coming out. It was that time again and it was 1948 that they went to Ecuador and they were able to get on a ship. It was on an Italian ship and it went through the Panama Canal and then that’s where they ended up. My dad’s best friend ironically ended up in the same place. His boyhood friend, they fished together and hunted and all that. It was kind of neat because my parents were sitting at a restaurant on the sidewalk like the sidewalk café and, all of a sudden, my dad hears his nickname. There’s only one person that would be my mom and you know there. There should not be anyone else that knows that name and he turned around and was like oh my gosh! Then the same thing happened when we moved to Houston. They moved to Larkin Florida and my dad’s friend was very determined to find my dad.

UH Interviewer: That's amazing. 

Susan Jezek: He found my dad’s business you know and called the business. He just knew that, that was my parents shop and so then they got back in touch again and then I stayed in touch with his son.

UH Interviewer: That is very great. 

Susan Jezek: I told him that I was coming here he was like oh my gosh you know. So, it's really a cool history and we lived in a kind of European community. So, when they met in Ecuador, my parents were having lunch on the sidewalk and my dad heard his childhood nickname and that was just so neat it was just so awesome. For them to be able to reconnect and then finding him in Houston also. He called around and he just knew where we would be. So, it’s just all that trauma I mean that they went through and hardship. I mean they both experienced quite a bit and, it’s just unique. That they as they moved, they just kept staying in touch and connected.

UH Interviewer: Going through a traumatic experience definitely bonds two people together.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, it does. It’s just such a different thing, I have such an appreciation for freedom, and family. You can have anything, and I mean it’s just how hard it was. You have to start over, and you couldn’t bring anything. Leave quickly and just that trauma that people go through. So, when I see anything or hear anything or read anything I really have a different sense. 

Getting on that last plane it was shaky and my dad is a worrier like I am. He was here like glued to the TV like “are they going to come home?” I mean it was hard for them. In Ecuador they had to start all over you know. Then they came to the U.S when they saw the revolution building there. So, then they came here, and they had to start all over again. I just give them such admiration and credit for being able to do that. Just it’s a very strong family levelheaded you know people. Who I can’t imagine going through what they did. 

It was hard for me coming here from Ecuador. Because, so I was very tan, I tanned easily. I know you can’t tell but I do. I would turn a pretty nice brown and I had blonde hair and blue eyes. I was ridiculed when I came to school. I had pierced ears and I had earrings pulled out of my ears. I was so dark that I would scrub my skin in the bathtub and my mom would be like what are you doing? I was like scrubbing because I’m too dark. I had blonde hair and blue eyes and that just wasn’t heard of. So, kids are mean very mean and that’s when I was five. I came here and so I went through a lot. Because the earring got pulled out, I’m lazy right now but putting them in but one hole is elongated because of that and well because I wore big earrings too, but you know. 

UH Interviewer: I’m so sorry

Susan Jezek: But I mean just what we went through and my parents it's just hard to imagine. You know what they all sacrifice you know having to leave everything behind and having to move again and having to move again here. When I was five, we came here, and we have been here ever since. So, yeah, I mean I’m very grateful for my past and I’m very grateful and very appreciative of what people go through. I’m very sensitive to those kinds of things. I spoke things Czech and German when I came here at five, I did not speak English so that was another. I was dark, I had pierced ears, I had blonde hair, I didn’t speak English. I mean I was pretty shy I mean I’m kind of shy now but I yeah I went through a lot. Friends say I should write a book.

UH Interviewer : Oh, I definitely agree.

Susan Jezek: Yeah you know maybe this can help me.

UH Interviewer: I hope. I hope it gives you the spur of motivation you need, that would be fantastic.

Susan Jezek: I said I’m going but I mean it’s just. I know I can’t say it enough and I’m saying over so much but it’s just what they went through that's incredible. It’s just that resilience that resiliency is amazing, and it taught me so much.

UH Interviewer: Right, just keep trying. 

Susan Jezek: Yeah when you think about it. So, I have my friend in California, she is three years older,  we talk about some of that. I just remember different things she was older, so she remembers different things. 

UH Interviewer: Did she go to Ecuador as well?

Susan Jezek: She was born in Ecuador, her parents and they met there

UH Interviewer: Really

Susan Jezek: Yes, my dad’s friend you know he was there and, then my dad we met with him because they fished and did all that sort of stuff in Prague. And we've been friends ever since. So, we lived in a European community sort of and so that was kind of nice.

UH Interviewer: Can you tell me a little bit more of that by chance, I know you were a little young then.

Susan Jezek: Well my parents had a beauty shop cause, that’s what their trade was. Beauticians in Europe and my dad liked helping movie stars and all kinds of fancy people, famous people and all that. They had the same type of store in Ecuador and we had it in our house. I remember a lot about my house. I talked to my dad’s best friend’s son and he remembered things too about that time. I remember we had these weird steps in front of the house and I rolled down the steps and then I got in trouble.We also had in those days everyone had maids, it wasn’t like a society upgrade or anything like that. I mean my parents came with nothing, so she helped other people. I remember you know playing on the steps. My parents had the shop inside and, I remember some of my dad’s customers you know. One of them she said when my mom was pregnant with me. She said if it’s a girl you have to give her my name, so my middle name is after her.

UH Interviewer: Oh

Susan Jezek: Yeah

UH Interviewer: After a customer?

Susan Jezek: Yes after a customer. I remember I had two German Shepherd’s. When the maid would put me out in my carriage, she would put me out in the sun. So one of the dogs, if it was too sunny would push the carriage in the shade. I tell my mom “oh you are making this up”. Everyone said oh no that’s true and the other one when I kicked off my blanket they would put it back on me.

UH Interviewer: Wow

Susan Jezek: Two German Shepherd’s that would babysit me and I’m like great.

(Laughter)

Susan: It sounds like a  book, German Shepherd babysitter who raised a child. I guess, things like that I remember. We had birthday parties in film, my parents took eight-millimeter movies in those days. I didn’t know they had them and so we have several of them. In one of them it’s my birthdays first, second, third, fourth and fifth birthdays.

UH Interviewer: Wow

Susan Jezek: So, it’s being processed right now to be put on a flash drive. Either he is doing a flash or a DVD I don’t know which one. I would love for you all to see it.

UH Interviewer: Of course, yes

Susan Jezek: I’m just anxious because, I hope that as a kid what you remember it’s not always the same thing.

UH Interviewer: Right

Susan Jezek: I’m just, I’m anxious to see. I can not wait till I get it. They said the film was in excellent condition. When they took it, I mean it is and I have movies from Prague as well. My mom’s trip that we went on, is on several of them. 

UH Interviewer: Wow, I would love to see it.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, I think there is so much history that we can get from those movies. A little thing of me and my birthday parties. I hope it turns out well. My friend, you know she was invited to my parties and of course she came to everyone of mine.

UH Interviewer: I’m sure it will come out wonderful 

UH Interviewer: Would you get to see your parents and everything?

Susan Jezek: Yeah, I would imagine, for sure they are in there. My grandma had sent me a wooden doll from the Czech Republic and so I let friends play with it. I was pretty good for an only child I shared a lot, and someone ripped out her eyelashes. I tried to put fake ones on, and it didn’t work. When I first came to America because, I was going to share it, that’s all I had. I still have it.

UH Interviewer: Wow .

Susan Jezek: Yes, I treasure that too, but you know just those experiences. I just feel that to see, like I said my parents had to start over and over and were so successful. I mean what awesome role models that they are. I think a lot of people can learn from that. 

UH Interviewer: To never give up,  through all the turmoil.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, I mean it’s just amazing what they went through. They had to go, pick up and then leave your family behind. I mean like I said we went in sixty-eight and my dad was like he’s a worrier.

UH Interviewer: Yeah, definitely.  

Susan Jezek: Between the losses, hardship and things like that, communism rule has really just affected the history of the Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia you know.

UH Interviewer: Even up to this day

Susan Jezek: Yes, It has.

UH Interviewer: So, Did your family continue doing cosmetology once they came to America?

Susan Jezek: Yes, my dad worked actually for Foleys in Sharpstown for a little bit.

UH Interviewer: Oh Wow.

Susan Jezek: Then worked for another lady closer to where we lived and then my parents opened up their own shop.

UH Interviewer: Wow, that had to be nice.

Susan: Yes, they were in the Memorial area and they had fabulous customers. They were so sweet to them and when mom and I went in sixty-eight. They were all cooking for my dad, and my mom cooked all his food and we came back, he had all this food everywhere. We said “Well didn’t you eat anything?” and he said “yea I did” and we just laughed. 

UH Interviewer: That's a great community.

Susan Jezek: Yeah. You know you lose touch with people when they move after a while, I think the hardship, the war and everything made it harder even with my Dad’s friend and history from boyhood. They lived through so much, they have just such a different bond than you have nowadays. You know it’s a very outward and bitter but there is that resilience that sometimes just is lost now for different reasons. You know it's just kind of different-

UH Interviewer: It’s a different world that we live in.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, definitely. 

UH Interviewer: What do you think was the biggest cultural difference between Ecuador and then America? Was it like the fact that in Ecuador there was more a sense of family versus America or?

Susan Jezek: That’s hard because, I think it impacts everyone differently. I think because I had such good strong family values. My dad’s beliefs were that you acclimate to wherever you go and, I think that builds that resilience. In everything, your attitude is different. You are proud of where you are, you support where you are and, you do whatever you can to be the best person you can be. To help society and to acclimate. This is so you will not come and just say oh I’m going to live my life this way. No, you have to acclimate, that's the biggest lesson. Is that you do need to assimilate to where you are and become a part of that society. Learn from that and it just makes you a much better person.

UH Interviewer: That’s very true.

Susan Jezek: That was kind of their belief too.

UH Interviewer: So, now at least with a much larger population of Czech’s in Texas, do you feel that specially being here; Do you feel that you were able to kind of rekindle some of the past and be able to look back on it?

Susan Jezek: Yeah, it depends on the age of the population you are talking about. Because, like at my parents age, they see it as very different than the younger people.

UH Interviewer: Really?

Susan Jezek: Because of what they experienced and that experience really molds you. In a different way and it builds you to who you are and how you see things. So, some people think that all kinds of wars and things that people experience and hardships. Yes, it’s very difficult but, I think in those days especially my parents and their friends we see the resilience is there. You cannot keep dwelling on the past. You have to move forward and, so I think that’s a difference now. Is that people hold that bitterness rather than work through that process. It’s never easy absolutely it's very, very difficult but, I think you have to. Like my dad always said you have to assimilate to where you are. You have to move forward and I think that’s a huge thing. That when I see different things. You know about wars or whatever and grievance and stuff like that. It’s how you approach it and what your thought process is, and how you are going to make it. Through it and not make it or what you end up doing. So, yeah it was hard starting over every-time but that’s what you do. You know, you do the best that you can and, you take care of your family and you move forward. 

UH Interviewer: You just put one foot in front of the other and keep on going.

Susan Jezek: It’s never easy I mean I saw that but, my parents just had a very good gift sense you know. They don’t let that bitterness they don’t hold grudges.Yes, it was difficult but that doesn’t mean that you have to punish other people. By hearing negative feelings and what does that do you know. That’s kind of like my dad, we have to move forward you can’t live in the past. If they didn’t, then we would never be able to start over and make anything of ourselves. They would still be, you know, who knows where in the jungle. (laughter)

UH Interviewer: They kind of refuse to be miserable. They just made the best of what it was.

Susan Jezek: Right and that’s just the kind of the way my mom, dad and I am too. You can’t dwell on that. 

UH Interviewer: Right you're completely right.

Susan Jezek: It doesn’t change it yes it hurts me to think about it and all that you know. The loss of family and the horrible torturing you know. Different aspects of it that you can’t,  it’s unproductive.

UH Interviewer: It doesn’t help anything.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, they are very good and strong about that. They taught me really strong values you know.

UH Interviewer: If you could go back to Czech Republic and back to Prague, what would be the thing that you miss the most and want to be able to go see again?

Susan Jezek: I would go to the grave. I would like to go see that. Even though it’s not the same but, I mean it’s so different. When we went in sixty-eight but that I would like to go see. I mean I went with my mom, but I would go back.

UH Interviewer: I'm sorry, thank you for sharing that.

UH Interviewer: Have you traveled over there back to your home country?

Susan Jezek: No, the last time I was there with mom was sixty-eight after we got on that last plane so no.

UH Interviewer: It’s been a very long time.

Susan Jezek: I haven’t really, we did go, I was grateful that my parents were able to go to Austria and Vienna cause my dad spent a lot of time there and he was able to show me different things.

UH Interviewer: Vienna and Prague.

Susan Jezek: Yes, the three of us went. Then my dad was able to go see the Schonbrunn Palace where all the leaders lived and all that. That was his boyhood dream. They showed me where my aunts lived in Vienna but I don't have any photos. I might have relatives there but I mean there would be distant cousins. We had one cousin that came here and stayed with us and ended up living here and then I lost touch with him. They lived not far away from me, my mom’s sister son. My mom did have a son, but he died because a bomb dropped by. I mean I would still like to go back. You know and just see the difference but there is not anyone that I would have connections with anymore. I don’t know a distant cousin maybe. I would assume they are still there I'm not sure.

UH Interviewer: As in now most of your family or what was left, they would be still over there, or did they migrate along with you all?

Susan: Probably no, I think most of them would still be there.

UH Interviewer: They stayed?

Susan: Yeah because it was very hard to get out, my parents were just very fortunate to get on that Italian ship. Then his best friend that lived in Florida well he is deceased too but his son we talked about that the other day. So yeah, it’s just one of those war tragedies.

UH Interviewer: Right..Everybody’s story seems to be lost by war.

Susan Jezek: It’s horrible I know but, I don’t know I mean it seems to me that people in those days were very not blaming and, more resilient in that they had the drive to move forward. I see that as a big difference from what I see now.

UH Interviewer: That’s very true. I feel like a lot of people these days want to dwell on the negativity and feed into it.

Susan Jezek: It’s not that is not part of us, it's part of you. The fact that I was five when we came here but, I carry the hardship my parents went through and, I always admire how amazing they have been, or they were through everything. Just the values that they instill and their kindness. Like even in their business they were very popular and well liked and it’s not just because they were my parents. But because of the fact that they would acclimate to wherever they had to go and not hold those hardships or anger towards the past. My dad said that you start over and you do the best that you can do and be the best person you can be. Regardless, you know I mean society has changed now too but, still he still would be saying the same thing. You know and that’s a value I don’t see. You know I was in education for thirty-nine years, so I don’t see it’s a very different thing. I mean you want it to be different but some of that good stuff has been lost, I think.

UH Interviewer: It seems like a lot of original thinking is now shut.

Susan Jezek: Right and that personality it’s just not in there, or that sensitivity but, I think you know the news kind of doesn’t help that. I mean the way they paint things yes, it’s very tragic and yeah, it’s hard. I don’t mean that but I’m just saying that there is an aspect to moving forward and, not be at a standstill and hold grudges. Because you are always going to carry the pain and, is always going to be there but, it's how you handle it. How you choose to move forward or not I mean if my parents stayed in Europe. Who knows what would’ve happened or what it would’ve been like? It was painful to leave knowing you don’t want to leave good friends and family. 

It’s so ironic because my dad’s friend always finds him wherever we went. Down in Ecuador they actually my mom and dad were sitting like a sidewalk café and, they were eating, and my dad hears his name. His Czech nickname, and it’s like my mom said did you hear that? and there is my dad’ best friend. Then he tracked him down here, so I mean it’s just those kinds of things that you just don’t hear about that.

UH Interviewer: Even though it’s connected more now than ever it seems as if we are more disconnected with each other.

Susan Jezek: In essence because of all the electronic devices. No, I mean you know the hustle and bustle and, I know there are just too many factors. I mean you don’t want to just stand at a standstill. By any means you want to keep progressing and learning and using you know all the things are fabulous that we have. I don’t mean that but, it’s just like within that mix you do lose that human connection.

UH Interviewer: Right, that’s very true.

Susan Jezek: I mean I really do like seeing my friends instead of texting them.

UH Interviewer: So, do you think your Czech background and your upbringing definitely instill that in you as a whole family orientation.

Susan Jezek: I think so the vicinity to people and the caring and the kindness and, all of that even like with my godson’s sister’s mom. You know their mom that we grew up together I think she would say the same thing you know.

UH Interviewer: Seems like a very loving background.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, very much so, her parents were amazing. They had a sweet factory and her grandma would bake, she was an amazing baker. My dad happened to be the tester. My friend says how do you remember that? and I say yes, your granny used to bring desserts and cakes and Czech foods to test and my dad would volunteer.

UH Interviewer: Do you still hold the traditions in your own personal life? Like the food or holidays or anything like that?

Susan Jezek:  I do it with them for Christmas and New Year’s. We do that and then with some friends here you know they still do. We make some different kinds of dishes.

UH Interviewer: Okay, so the recipes kind of were passed down?

Susan Jezek: Yes, I have my mom’s Czech recipe book.

UH Interviewer: Wow, That’s very special.

Susan Jezek: Oh yes, but I don’t cook really for myself it’s only when you know I have-

UH Interviewer: Special occasions.

Susan Jezek: Oh, I would weigh five hundred pounds by now if I did. It’s just you know there is a lot of stuff like that.

UH Interviewer: What do you think it’s the biggest cultural change when you moved to America. What was the thing that shocked you the most about American culture versus Ecuadorian culture?

Susan Jezek: Of course, I was five then in Ecuador, but I think that because of the attitude that my parents instill that you have to acclimate. That we didn’t really compare but you do compare, and I think that here it’s a lot more to offer and so people did not speak another language. So, acclimating was hard, like for example if we went to the grocery store. She would speak to me in Czech and we kept Czech at home and German and you know some Spanish. I took Spanish in school and so she would tell me in Czech and there were kids I went to school with or other families and you didn’t speak another language outside of your home. I went through a lot of ridicule and pressure about that. We would be in the store you know, she would tell me to go get something like potatoes or something and, so I would go get them. Or we would be shopping you know like Foleys or whatever in one of those and well I would get them and then I would not really try to talk to her back in Czech. Because the next day if someone saw me. I got pinched and kicked and so I told her I said in the store don’t talk to me in Czech. Well they will just have to accept it and I said this is what happens to me. I got pushed down in the playground. I got kicked and everything and this is when I’m five and six, so it was terrible. Like I said I would scrub my skin you know and all that and so compare to now. No one pays attention to what language you speak or to what you do. So, the total is one thousand percent difference you know. In the store I had to walk next to her and she would speak Czech or German or Spanish or mix them. It was like if anyone heard it, I’d pay for it the next day at school.

UH Interviewer: Oh, I’m so sorry.

Susan Jezek: I had a pinecone thrown in my face and I mean I was quiet and shy but I actually went through a lot. Now that I think about it but, I didn’t even think about that too much then.

UH Interviewer: Did it take you a long time to learn the language?

Susan Jezek: No, because I already knew three languages already.

UH Interviewer: So, it was easy for you-

Susan Jezek: Yeah

UH Interviewer: I can’t even imagine knowing four different languages when you were a child.

Susan Jezek: I can think in one language and write in a different language or read in another.

UH Interviewer: Wow it really does change your perspective when you can speak another language.

Susan Jezek: Yeah well, it’s kind of like when you translate something. You are reading it and thinking in another language, but I do it so automatically that I can’t even explain it.

UH Interviewer: Right it’s like second nature at this point.

Susan Jezek: Or we would mix them you know, and people would go like what was that? and like I thought they were just speaking Spanish and we threw some German in there and they were like okay that wasn’t Spanish.

UH Interviewer: So, you are still able to speak all four?

Susan Jezek: Yeah.

UH Interviewer: Wow that’s amazing

Susan Jezek: I mean all those kinds of things that I went through you know no one would think of it. They wouldn’t ever know I mean I can walk my dog and my friend calls me and she is talking Czech and I talk in Czech. I’m really getting kind of bad at mixing Czech and English. It’s like Caroline, my god-sister and my godson and now her baby, Caroline’s baby they are all German, Czech and English pretty much and Spanish. Actually, they keep all the languages going and my Godson doesn’t like to use it.

UH Interviewer: I was going to say it would come in handy when he starts working.

Susan Jezek: Well this is Texas my godson is actually; he works in New York.

UH Interviewer: Really?

Susan Jezek: Then Caroline is in Santa Monica and San Francisco that’s where her mom lives so yeah, I mean it’s interesting.

UH Interviewer: Yes, it pays off to know another language. It's very interesting.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, it does help a lot in different situations. You know my parents, my dad knew so many languages and, just never forgot them. You know it is part of your culture it’s part of who you are.

UH Interviewer: I just can’t believe the difference America has come in the past from then to now.

Susan Jezek: You can’t even compare I mean.

UH Interviewer: I was born in nighty eight and even then-

Susan Jezek: You’re a baby.

UH Interviewer: Very much so, I mean even though there are differences in America, I always thought of it like a cultural melting pot.

Susan Jezek: Well to a point and I think it has grown in that respect. On the better end but I do think there are pockets and there are ways depending on what is going on. How it’s accepted or not accepted I mean there are places I would not speak another language. You know like I’m on the phone talking Czech, people look at me like oh. At the airport they don’t really think that’s different or weird or something. I mean it comes in handy you know it’s kind of funny but, I’m very bad I’ll mix them. My friends go why are you mixing them? but I don’t know.

UH Interviewer: Just for the experience, it will keep you on your toes.

Susan Jezek: Yeah, make sure that you are paying attention I see.

UH Interviewer: So when you came here what was your job application? You said educator?

Susan Jezek: Yes, I got my degree in education Elementary with special ed and, so when I first started teaching then I was a special ed teacher. I had self-contained kids at that time because the laws were different than now and, then I went to full you know inclusion. Helping teachers and things, then I became an administrator.

I have a number of manual typewriters. My first informant who was a very well-known attorney here he gave me a typewriter like in a leather case, it’s really cool.

UH Interviewer: It’s so cute

Susan Jezek: Yeah, they are really cute, then I would give anything to have had a computer in those days. I had to type my masters on the floor on my typewriter.

 I worked with teachers and did lots of amounts of training. In all areas not just special ed paperwork but, the laws and also strategies. I liked to work with the kids in all the different academic areas. I did a lot of academic training and paperwork training. Then I was the administrator that had an office but, that was a night job. I believe in spending time in the classroom and working side by side with teachers. I was hands on with the teachers and the students all the time. I did enormous amounts of parent training for the district. Which I did the whole school district in Klein. Of course it’s grown now. I taught for twenty and then I was an administrator.  

UH Interviewer: for HISD?

Susan Jezek: No, Klein and, actually Grace England Dr. England was my boss. She is an amazing lady.

I’m very fortunate to have had that journey. People will still call me today and say wish you were back. It’s just changed so much but, it was just such an amazing opportunity you know. She already sought me before I graduated, she just knew she was hiring me.

UH Interviewer: So, you have been very fortunate with finding a job.

Susan Jezek: I would say with everything, I’m just so grateful you know. I felt guilty that my parents had to go through so much. Then people remind me those were different times and you have gone through a lot as well. It’s just different things that you go through. To me it makes you a better person.

UH Interviewer: Very much so.

Susan Jezek: You know all the experiences are there for a reason and, take them and go with them. Build who you are and be the best you can be because you never know. I mean there are a lot of videos of me teaching and training people. It’s been an amazing journey and, I do think that my past has really you know contributed to my professional career as well. I actually taught my dolls I had them lined up. I taught them different languages. I was five I mean come on, that’s where my career started. You know I’m very grateful for everything, so it all happened for a reason. You do the best that you can do very, very grateful.

UH Interviewer: Thank you so much for allowing us to interview you today and also, we would like to if possible, we would love to see those when you get them in. 

Susan Jezek: Okay, I would love to share it when I get it.  Because I mean there are things I haven’t even gone through because my parents have been deceased for a while. I just keep going on with life. I need to start looking at some of those. Because, I was thinking of this actually to see and ,I need to get the projector out. So, we have a slide projector. I have slides well let’s see what happens.

UH Interviewer: Right, they are just tiny pictures.

Susan Jezek: Yes, they are like together there is like a million of them. I mean it’s amazing, but you just can’t do that it’s not like a slide. I don’t know what I was thinking and so I took it over there. It should be ready pretty soon. I’m very, very anxious I said you will not destroy this right? He goes Susan and it's in great shape. My friend said “you know Costco does a good job too” with those things.

UH Interviewer: That's good they are in good hands. We can't wait to see them too. Thank you so much for allowing us to conduct this.

Susan Jezek: Thank you. It was very nice talking to you. Thank you for your time.