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KCTCS - Elizabethtown |
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Personal Narrative |
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I remember the day so perfectly. I was in my 6th grade math class. I used to think that life could not get any worse than sitting in that class, but I soon realized that I was very wrong. The day was September 11, 2001; the day that the twin towers went down. It was the day that changed how I looked at things forever. As I was sitting in class that morning, seeing what was happening, put a major impact on my life. Little did I know that while I was watching this, at that same time my cousin who was residing in New York was experiencing a more direct impact. Two days following this tragedy, my family and I left for Destin, Florida for vacation; even though the mood was somber. I never really understood fear and prejudice until that day unfolded. This major event gave me a completely different perspective on life. September 11, 2001 changed my life in many ways. Not only did it affect how I looked at the world, but it completely altered my way of thinking. Several months following the attacks, as my mother and I traveled home from a trip to Louisville, I saw a large cargo plane not far over our heads, a short distance in front of us. I could not help but panic. I felt like I was going into shock. The events of 9/11 consumed my thoughts. I felt helpless as the plane descended so frighteningly close above us. When I realized that the plane was actually landing at the nearby airport, a rush of relief ran through my body. I now realize that despite my fears, I also have hope that there are opportunities to make the world a better place. Looking back at that morning, remembering how terrified I felt while watching those horrible acts, I was reminded by my mom’s phone call to the school that my cousin Kenny was working in a building directly beside the north twin tower. I immediately broke down in class and prayed that he stayed safe. So many thoughts were running through my mind. As if it wasn’t bad enough already that planes were flying into two of the highest buildings in New York, but now I hear my cousin could be involved? I know that sounds selfish of me to have thought so much about one individual at such a horrible time, but I remember so clearly sitting at my desk, feeling so alone, and realizing how many people all over the world, this was effecting in some way. After a short display to the class of how dramatic I really am, I retreated to the restroom so I could call my mom. My teacher’s expression revealed that she was aware of my intentions. I rushed to the bathroom and called my mom. I was pleasantly surprised with her answer to my question being, “on my way baby.” I felt relieved and stressed at the same time. I was comforted by getting to go and be around my family, but I was also very worried that we hadn’t heard from my cousin. Impatiently waiting by the phone, we finally received a phone call from Kenny saying that he was safe but had been through a horrible ordeal. He was on his way to work when the attacks happened. He said he ran two city blocks full speed without looking back. His voice never sounded sweeter. It was such a relief to know that he was safe. He proceeded to tell us about some of the things that he saw and how it made him feel. He told us stories about the acts of bravery and compassion he witnessed amongst all the horror. This brief phone call made me realize a lot about the world. Even though there were such horrific events that occurred on that tragic September morning, there were also many acts of heroism that were demonstrated toward so many of those people in need. |
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The day that changed everything |
