19 years ago, I was in the lab at Stony Brook University with my students when we heard that the towers were hit. That day was surreal -- and one I won't ever forget.
There wasn't a cloud in the sky on that beautiful September morning that totally shifted our world forever.
We didn't have a TV in the lab, and some of you might recall how the websites of major news outlets were struggling to load. We made desperate and frantic attempts to get any information about what was happening, but thankfully, we had access to a radio. My students, fellow colleagues, and I gathered around to listen.
Then we heard that the towers came down. Another plane hit the Pentagon -- and one crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. It was incomprehensible. I remember, before we knew the extent of the loss, encouraging my students to give blood.
The next day, I spoke to my students in class about how easily things can be destroyed -- and how much harder it is to build. I told them it is our personal responsibility to make sure that we are builders, because there will always be others working to tear things down.
In New York, our communities were able to build back -- just like we will build back better from this current crisis facing our nation.
I know today is a challenging time for so many families on Long Island, and if you are struggling now, know that I am holding you in my heart.
Sincerely yours,
Nancy
