nmah4963.xml

nmah4963.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-14

I am a seventh grade Language Arts teacher and was teaching when the terrorist attacks happened. I found out about it when one of my students came in to tell me that a plane had flown into The World Trade Center. I couldn't believe it; I thought he was joking. In moments I found out it was no joke. My job for the rest of that day was to be a rock for my students. They had questions, concerns, and fears. I allowed time for sharing and support, but I tried to keep our schedule as normal as possible. Meanwhile, it was hard for me to keep my thoughts afloat, as I am from New York, and had worked several years in NYC, not far from the Twin Towers, so I knew the path these innocent workers had taken. I was also terrified that someone I knew had not been able to escape the attack.

My life has changed in the way I relate to others. I am more thankful and appreciative of others. I also look at my problems in a bigger perspective. I realize that no matter what I am going through it is nothing compared to those who were on those three planes that day or in the twin towers or pentagon. Life really is a precious gift.

I think we need to always remember the bravery of the passengers on all three flights. I think we need to remember the WTC, as it was. Finally, I think we need to remember the bravery of all the firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, and volunteers who saved lives and consoled others while all this went on.

I don't have a flag to fly, but I do have little flags that I hang in my car for support. I am now actually saying the pledge everyday in school, rather than just reciting it.