I was in first grade. I didn’t even know what a terrorist was. Even If I would have, I had no idea of where New York was. I lived in a world that consisted of morning milk and alphabet puzzles. September 11, 2011, I began to see the world differently. I sat in my classroom unaware of what was going on as my teacher tried to explain to us the best way she could that a plane had just hit one of the towers. I didn’t even know what ‘towers’ she was talking about. My 7 year old brain could not comprehend my surroundings, but I knew something much worse than I could ever imagine had happened. The entire school gathered in the gym and prepared for an early dismissal. I looked around and saw the older children crying. They were more aware than I was at the time. Being older now, I realize the impact that that day actually had on my life and my country. My mom picked me up from school that day and hugged me close. I didn’t understand her tears either. The hours after that are a blur to me. After sitting through countless assemblies and memorial services in school as I grew older, I began to understand what had happened on that day. I now know that our beautiful country had fallen victim to terrorists on that bright September day. I learned about the towers and how many people were killed. It is heartbreaking still, to think about all the innocent people that lost their lives. However, I grew to have such a large amount of respect for those who risked their own lives to save others. I also developed a patriotic and devoted love for my country. I will never forget where I was when 9/11 happened, and I will never forget what it taught me.