What were you doing on September 11, 2001?

I’ll never forget where I was…

It was my senior year of high school. I’d just sat down in Economics class when the first plane went into the Towers. Instead of focusing on the major exam we would have in a few days, our eyes were glued to the small television mounted above the door. I sat in silence, not knowing what to think or what to say. Every so often I’d allow my eyes to wonder to the window beside me. I was on the second floor but for some reason it felt so high. I recall looking at the ground and tightening my grip on the desk as if at any moment I would fly away…

When the second plane hit I remember the first tear falling. I was numb. Witnessing a tragedy of this magnitude proved to be overwhelming. Seeing what could only be described as lifeless bodies jumping out of windows in an attempt to be saved left me with a feeling of guilt.

The silence of the school was jarred by the sounding of the tones. Between classes we exchanged hugs, kind words, “iLoveYous” heard in the distance. Somehow a school of several thousand was as close-knit as the Waltons.

Hearing the announcers describe the moments the Towers fell caused me to tremble. I wanted to do something…I wanted to help. I wanted to know why…

When people ask me why I’m pursuing my Homeland Security certification or why I’m learning Arabic and reading the Quran, I simply say “nine eleven” and walk away. Many innocent people lost their lives due to the actions of a few… The years I’ll spend completing certifications and training are nothing compared to the price they paid. When I visit the World Trade Center Memorial next year I can proudly say “I’ll always remember you.”