One year ago, terrorist attacks on Pennsylvania, New York City, and Washington D.C. left the streets bloody and a skyline fractured. Heroes were born and died on the same day, and the United States took a blow of such magnitude that hadn't been seen since Pearl Harbor. While time heals wounds, the effects of the tragedy are still being felt throughout the nation, and even here at Tufts University.
This anniversary has sparked many on the Hill to take time to reflect on the year since the attack. Several see themselves as more aware of worldly issues in the wake of last year's disaster. On such student is sophomore Sarah Lipson, who has found that she is now more compassionate to global political problems.
"I no longer have the 'this could never happen to me' attitude," Lipson said.
Sophomore Kara Kelly echoed Lipson's sentiments, "the events made me look outside my bubble a lot more and realize that even if I ignore it, it will still be going on, so I might as well stay somewhat involved and take a few notes along the way."
While those students began looking outward, others turned within themselves. One freshman who chose to remain anonymous became more spiritual after the tragedy.
"I find myself trying to be more considerate and enjoy the times I have with my family, instead of taking them, and the life they have given me for granted."
Despite last year's catastrophe, several students claim not to have changed at all. They were upset with the events, but found that their attitudes on life have remained static. These same students, however, have noticed that many people around them now hold different outlooks on the world.
An anonymous senior stated, "I don't think I changed at all... I just noticed the birth of some form of racism or intolerance in the US." This senior found that these racist gestures are aimed at Muslims.
"It's not so much in the every day life, than in administrative matters... people here are more 'cautious' I guess which is understandable, but that didn't exist before." These feelings seem to be accentuated with media coverage of these issues around the world.
Looking forward, most people are worried about what the future may bring. News of bombings in Israel, anthrax in the nation's capitol, and the seemingly hopeless search for Osama bin Laden is a bit unsettling for some.
In the back of his mind, senior Pete Jeliffe has uncertainties. "I might be expecting doomsday to come sooner rather than later," he confessed.
Others, like sophomore Buck Hazard don't fear the buzz. "I don't think I am at all scared of what may come," Hazard said.
Hazard, like many others, has taken a carpe diem attitude, and is just trying to live life for today.
