Inspiration for Changes

Date Submitted: 09/11/2011
Author Info: Rhonda (Fairview, TN - USA) 
Occupation: Professional (Medical, legal, etc.)
Lived in NY on 9.11.01?: No
Knew someone who perished?: No

I live in the central time zone so I had just arrived at work at 7:30am, I was working at the local public middle school as a dietary worker. I had to make ham sandwiches that morning and was slicing the ham when the news came across the radio that an airplane had hit The World Trade Center, I though what a terrible accident and continued slicing the ham. Shortly after 8:10am the radio broke in with breaking news that a 2nd airplace has hit the other building, then and there I knew so something was wrong and this was no accident. The day seemed to have been so long because I couldn’t see what was happening because we only had a radio to listen to as we had to continue preparing the meals for the students that day.
Once I got off work I immediately went to the daycare to pick up my 2 yr old daughter and came straight home and turned on the news to watch what had happened that morning. I was not prepared for the distruction and sadness that I saw and I could only imagine the feelings of the people trapped in the buildings and jumping from the buildings, it made me really see how short life can be and you just never know what may happen.
I had been married since 1998 and had grown very unhappy in my marriage but felt I had no choice because $8.50/hr is not going to support me and my daughter and financially I couldn’t do it by myself. I thought alot over the next few months and thought about what I want for my life.
In Feb. 2002 on of my best friends from high school called me and told me she was going to try to get into nursing school and she wished I would try with her. I got the information and took the nurses entrance test and awaited my results. I found out I had passed my test and may possibly be selected for the nursing class. While I waited to see if I would get news of being accepted into the class I prayed about it and came to the conclusion that if I am accepted it would be a sign that I should change my current situation and this would be a means that financially I would be able to take care of me and my daughter alone. I recieved a letter in early March 2002 informing me that I was accepted and would start school April 1, 2002. In August 2002 I had filed for a divorce and my husband moved out of the house, although it was hard to finish nursing school as a single parent I was the happiest I had been in years. I continued to do well in my classes and graduated LPN school in March 2003 and passed my state board of nursing exam 2 weeks later.
Now, 10 years later I know I made the right decision for me and my daughter and I know I made a decision in career choices that I can help others who are sick or injured and make a difference in the lives of others as well. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one this day 10 years ago, all the children who have grown 10 years older and lost a momma or daddy that day and all the souls that was taken that day prematurly, although I don’t personally know anyone who was personally affected by this attack we were all right beside each other that day in September. Thank you for making me see how quickly everything can change in life and inspiring me to do the best I can for others while changing my life for me.

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