I can still remember this day – 9/11/01. I was in my apartment and awoke to what felt like a somber morning. This was before I ventured into my living room and saw my roommate in front of the TV – and there it was the tragedy that hit our nation in the heart of the finance capital in the world. At first, as many others I too did a double take, was this really happening. The tragedy had occurred and that day is fresh in my mind. Many of my professors had lost their loved ones and as much courage they tried to muster up we saw them fighting tears while attempting to teach a class.

I still think about that day and the fear that spread across my campus. International students were receiving threats and I too feared for my life. It really made me think about how fear really compels individuals to act out of character. I am grateful that my loved ones are safe and sound, but I learned that we must embrace everyday as it were your last. So many people lost their lives that fateful morning, not just US citizen’s but across the globe.

Today, I pray and remember those who lost their loved ones, and those who played a role in saving lives of those who were in peril that ill-fated morning.