I have never been to New York, nor do I know anyone there. I have no connections to that particular state. I, along with almost all my family and friends live in Illinois. However, I have never in my whole life felt so much sorrow and hurt for people hundreds of miles away than I did on that horrible day of Sept. 11, 2001.

I attended a small Catholic high school. Gossip and news travel fast on a regular basis. Today the news was different. It was not about who was dating whom, it was real and important this time. When we heard that the United States was under attack, we all knew our lives would be dramatically different from that day forth.

My classmates, teachers and I sat glued to the television in complete and utter shock for most of the day. “How can there possibly be so much hate in the world?” That is the question I have asked myself every day since the attacks.

I felt so helpless. I wanted so much to take some of the pain away from the victims and their families. Only time will heal their wounds, however, I can only hope they can stand up and be proud of a nation that has become united as one. I hope their pride can carry them through each passing day, and I hope they know their loved ones will live on in the hearts of every American.

This is a tragedy that will go down in history. We will tell our kids about it, and we will all most likely remember what we were doing and where we were when we first heard the news. I believe our government will do its part with the “War on Terrorism.” However, our government cannot win this war alone. As college students, and future leaders, we can do our part. We can make the hate and violence stop with us. One person can make a difference, but many people can make real history.