Sept. 11

10 years ago my oldest sister couldn't go abroad because of the terrorist attacks on September 11. The world was unsettled, confused and scared of what had happen at New York City. I remember being assembled in our school auditorium as our principal explained what happened.

Terrorist?

Those two tall buildings?

I think I have family members in NYC.

I was just a kid. I didn't really understood what was happening. Even though my oldest sister lived in Philadelphia, I was scared for her. In my mind she was at the country being attacked and I knew a plane crashed near.

All of the sudden my history teacher explained to my classroom that War was being declared. Whenever I traveled I needed to go through tough security that even doubted the integrity of a little girl. Every year I understood more and more of what had happened and the consequences this tragedy had in the United States and the world.

10 years later. I am abroad on the same day the attacks happened. What does this mean? I wouldn’t say we forgot what happened, because the memory of September 11 will follow us for the rest of our lives...

Terrorism is not over. It could happen anywhere at any time. Yet, we cannot live in fear. I understand that after the attacks it was only normal. But, our lives cannot be restricted or even manipulated by terrorist (or anyone else for that matter). If not, they have won.

Let’s be brave today. Let’s live our life to the fullest. Let’s not be scared and be proud that we can learn from tragedies and get even stronger. Let's emulate the heroes from September 11 and pray for the victims and their families.