9/11/2001
On 9/11/2001
I will of course never forget where I was when the towers got struck. It was morning in Silicon Valley, perhaps not yet 9am … I don’t remember the west coast time for sure … I had just woken up and turned on the TV for the traffic report, as I was a teenager at the time and was going to my french class soon.
I remember clicking the channels because I though I was watching a movie trailer… seriously. I realized what was going on and I was just floored. People were falling from the building and I saw the second plane crash live on TV. It was nuts.
I quickly left home after some time, I didn’t know if there was school that day, but I drove all the way to school. I bought a plastic ribbon on the way to school, because I knew something huge had just happened and that we as americans had to come together. It was my way of showing that I knew what happened and condolences for the victims families. Of course, class was cancelled, and I went back home to watch the news and hear the details. I thought people were exaggerating when they said things like, oh I remember exactly where I was when kennedy got shot, but now I totally understand.
Many people don’t know this, but the August before 9/11/01 happened I was scheduled to leave for Parris Island to join the Marines! My father talked me out of it, he told me that I should pursue my fashion degree THEN join if I still wanted to … Well I don’t care much for the man but someone was acting through him to give me that message.
I never thought I would be a dancer, actress, or in fashion because I was very much into political science and international policy. I could talk about politics forever and debate your hears off. I had the facts to support my arguments and I was a regular caller on those shows on the radio where you debate or give your political opinions.
I have to say, I don’t know if it was 9/11 and that sick feeling I got immediately about the truth, but I eventually lost my interest in politics.
I always said, ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’
But I had to admit, as much as I love my country I am bitter about the people running it and about the masses that choose to do nothing. I did everything I was supposed to do for this place, I pay taxes, went to school, obey the law, but now that is not enough to have a good life. There are no jobs for people my age or even at my level of education (which is a rip off). What happened to the america I was taught to love? To fight for? To DO things for? The people running it have failed me, because America has not- it is still my beloved country and I am still able to be a free woman and pay my rent. But it is not done the way I should or wanted or in a way that is beneficial to the country.
I find it ironic that I teach children and adults to read FOR free, yet there are so many people out there in other countries who get PAID for doing the same thing. You would think Americans would want to invest in their future citizens …
I have been told a million times that I should be a teacher, but the training and money needed JUST to be considered is beyond ridiculous. Then if I was a teacher, I’d still have to dance or have another part time job or else I wouldn’t be able to make ends meet. We need good teacher like me, but we don’t want to pay them. I am afraid for the future of my country.
I had this thought for the first time 11 years ago and look at where we are now. I regret to admit, I have the same fear for our country today.
Looking ahead, all I can say is, I will DO as much as I can for my country. So the future is brighter for the children I am teaching to love reading. All I can do is educate the future citizens of my loved country.
