Everyone remembers where they were when they heard about big things, like Michael Jackson’s death or hearing about the earthquake in Haiti. Of course, those happened within the past year. Even though those are very recent, 9/11 is still one of the most vivid memories I have.

I was in first grade that year. I woke up about 7:30 to get ready for school feeling that something was wrong. I walked into my mom’s room right as her alarm went off. She slammed her hand against the off button and ran down stairs. I kept asking if she was okay as I followed her. She turned on the TV to the news, and that’s when I heard it. “World Trade Center Hit By Planes” was scrolling along the bottom of the screen. I looked over to my mom, who’s hand was over her mouth. “What’s wrong?” I kept asking her and she kept telling me to go get ready for school. I nodded, obeying her orders.

Then I got to school. We played some games and talked, then everyone was ready to go to recess. “Story time!” My teacher announced. “But it’s time for recess…” a boy named Vincent said. After all of the groans and whys, my teacher somewhat explained what was going on. After we had started the story, a boy named Austin came in. I didn’t really like him, he was kind of mean to everyone and he sat next to me at our desks.

We went back to our desks, starting to do school work, math, I’m pretty sure. I noticed that Austin was quieter than normal and avoiding everyone. I leaned over and whispered “Are you okay?” He just shook his head. “What’s wrong?” He took a deep breath. “My cousin and uncle were on one of those planes that crashed.” He was so mean to me, and I couldn’t help but to feel sorry for him. All I said was “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that,” and I was in awe struck for the rest of the day, not really knowing what to do or say, being stuck inside a school building, no one would let me out to play (at school or at home), and I couldn’t stop thinking that people that I didn’t know had lost their lives and that those people’s friends and families had nothing to do but wait to see if their loved ones were still alive.

Now, every time whether its 9:11 in the morning or afternoon, I take a moment to stop and send out a little prayer for everyone who was effected by 9:11.