9/11 Survivors Ten Years Later (Page 5)
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Transcript of 9/11 Survivors Ten Years Later (Page 5)
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8/4/2019 9/11 Survivors Ten Years Later (Page 5)
1/1
High School for Leadership and Pub-
licServices was as unique as a high
school experience can be and my
junior year began like any other.
Situated next to the American
Stock exchange, students traveled
from Chinatown, Harlem and all
ive boroughs to attend the small
public high school. From the 14thloor lunchroom, to the gym in
the basement, the one-time ofice
building was as unlikely a school
building as could be.
Still downtown Manhattan was
our playground and on September
10th, 2001 I walked through the
mall beneath the World Trade
Center. That night back in the
Brooklyn apartment where I lived
with my mother and three siblings
I hadnt a clue it would become my
last night as a normal sixteen year
old girl.
The following day was beautiful
and bright. My mother, the principals secretary, and I commuted separately
to the school. My irst class was in a windowless classroom on the 10th loor.
I was in my seat by 8:25, just about the time American Airlines Flight 11 made
a 100 degree turn towards New York City.
The next few days were a blur as I tried to locate my ireighter father who
as it turns out, was working in the wreckage. My mother says I watched
footage of the attack over and over again. I dont remember much about the
weeks following the attacks.School was cancelled, reconvening months later in another location. Our
irst day back was illed with emotional electricity; students and faculty were
crying, hugging, cheering we had become a ive hundred person family with
an uncommon bond. Speaking of 9-11 however was dificult and I never fully
shared my experience with anyone. Instead I shut down, insisting to myself
that I was unfazed and just ine.
Now almost ten years later, I ind myself reminded of the attacks con-
stantly. Every time Im confronted with 9-11 in a movie, in artwork, or a book
I break down. It took me ten years to realize Im not ine and the only way to
heal is to confront my memories of that day. To relive what I saw, heard, felt,
and tasted. Go back inside the choking ash cloud, completely grey and aloneas the world crashes, literally, around you.
I did go back, and remembered a lot that Id forgotten. Its funny the things
that stay with you a Japanese tourist giving me his water on the bus that
inally took me out of lower Manhattan, or the sickly sweet burnt smell that
permeated the air for months, yet I have no recollection of my reunion with
my mother that evening. She remembers it, and it was amazing to hear about
her ordeal that day. Talking about 9-11 brought my family closer together
and my healing process has, inally, begun.
______________________________
"I still live and work in NYC as a wardrobe stylist and fashion writer; I invite
you to visit my website at: www.kerrirenae.com ."PHOTO CREDIT: U.S. Air Force Phot
Kerri Quigley
9/11
SURVIVOR
10YEARSLATER