At 6:30 A.M. on September 11, 2001, I woke up just like every other morning before school. My biggest problem was figuring out what shoes matched my outfit. Little did I know that everything would soon change.

It was a typical day at school, all up until 3rd period. I was sitting at my desk in science class, learning about humidity. At 10:00 A.M. the loudspeaker beeped-I don’t think anyone was prepared for the news we were about to hear, “The World Trade Center has been attacked in New York City, two airplanes flew into both buildings, in what seemed to be a terrorist attack.” The room got silent, as I looked around, I could tell by the look on everyone’s face they were just as shocked as I was. The bell soon rang, it was lunchtime.

As I walked through the halls, it seemed to really hit me, with so many students crying I realized how many people could have lost family members or friends. I luckily didn’t know anyone, but my heart went out to those who did. The problems that I thought were so important just this morning didn’t even cross my mind. I called my mom to come pick me up because I really did not want to be in school anymore. When I got home I turned on the news. I saw the buildings collapse and I started to cry. I knew from that day on everyone’s lives would be different, everything would change…

A month has passed now, and in that short time I have watched our country really unite. We truly became the “United” States of America. Everywhere you go you see flags flying high and people really expressing their pride for this amazing country. I personally have changed from this whole experience, and even though how tragic it was, it did do something good for me. It showed me that my life could change in an instant and I should live everyday like it was my last and never take it for granted.

by KP age 14