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Center for History and New Media

Living near Afghanistan as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 2001 I was directly affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center as well as the invasion of Afghanistan by our troops. Having just taken on an additional assignment in Uzbekistan, I now had a total of 90 youths to share with, teach and learn from while working in Tashkent. My interaction with all of these young people had a profound effect on me both emotional and spirtual. Our ability to have a peaceful exchange with each other connected boundaries I never thought possible. Even in my village of Qibray I was excepted by the elders as well as the children that loved to run and play in the dirt street in front of my flat. When we were evacuated in October I was not able to see or explain to my 90 students the immediate change the war would have on all of us and how we could possibly cope together thru this tragedy. The children in my neighborhood came out in the streets with their parents and cried holding onto my arms, shirt and pantlegs when the car came to get me. They didnt completely understand why I was being taken away. I never forget them however and included the children in every book, newspaper and article that was written about my experience. I hope they think of me often as well.

During this time of September 11 I will continue to reflect on the positive experience of having served as a Peace Corps Volunteer during such a tragic time in world history.