The tragic events of Sept. 11 have changed the way that I live now and it will for as long as I shall live. I live about 30 minutes away from the city of Chicago and I can remember all of the emotions I felt that day. However, I do remember fear being the most dominant emotion at that time. I was so concerned that my city was going to be next. I mean, if something like this could hapen in New York, then it could definitely happen in Chicago. Chicago to me is probably the next biggest city other than New York and is also a target to the terrorists. This led me to believe that we would be next.

Before the attacks on our nation, I had lived my life knowing that I was in a safe place. Also, I lived knowing that our country was the most powerful in the world. I would never think something like this would ever be possible. The thought that our country would be attacked by terrorists would never cross my mind. I continue to ask myself why these people would do something like this. How could so many of those terrorists hate and envy our country so much? What did we ever do to them to deserve this? They took many innocent lives for their pointless causes and beliefs.

After Sept. 11, 2001, my entire outlook on life has drastically changed. I live in constant fright that the terrorists feel their attacks in New York were not satisfying to them. I think they want to hurt our nation more. Lastly, I feel my city or town will be next. I am scared to go downtown Chicago because I think something terrible will happen there if I am present. Not only do I live in complete terror, but also, I feel optimistic. I fell optimistic because I know we have a great president who will take care of our nation. Also, I feel that everything happens for a reason. Maybe this happened to make America a stronger nation. Despite what happened, I do know America will stand tall and justice will be brought to the terrorists.

*Angela Zartuche is a Freshman Psychology major