- Essay by Gretchen Smith, Grade 10



September 11th, 2001 started out like any other day. I was in 5th grade. I woke up, went to school, and talked to my friends. Later that day, a little after lunch, things started getting a little suspicious. Teachers were talking quietly, parents were coming to the school and pulling kids out of class to take them home. Then rumors of attacks started going around the lunch area. We had all heard that we were getting out early. I remember I was really worried. Since my Mom is a teacher I went to her room and asked her what was going on. When she told me, I was very shocked. Shanksville is only about five miles away from us. 

When my Mom and I got home my dad was already there. He was let off work early and was deflating our blow-up pool. We had the news on all night.

The next day at school we were all shaken and a little scared. Not all the kids in the class were there but most were. We talked about what happened and what we heard from our parents. Some people said they could feel the ground shake but I don't remember feeling anything.

Five years later I still remember most of the things that happened at school that day. I was very scared as I'm sure everyone was. I hope something like that never happens again. I think the whole experience brought everyone closer together.