On the morning of September 11, 2001, the United States faced a devastating terrorist attack. Four airplanes were hijacked—two crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, one hit the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and the fourth went down in a Pennsylvania field after passengers tried to stop the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. This tragic day led to major changes in national security and is remembered every year for its impact on the country and the world.
In what ways do you think 9/11 has shaped the world we live in now?
Mr. Wesley Tobit, who teaches Finance and Critical Thinking at ILS, and has quickly become a student favorite thanks to his engaging teaching style and genuine connection with the class has some thoughts on the matter.
“We have become more aware of the need for security and to also not stereotype anybody just because of one event,” he explained.
Mr. Mark Kendrick who is a first-year teacher at ILS and teaches AP U.S. History with approachable style and clear teaching techniques, has also made a positive impression on students.
“First off, 9/11 really changed the world by making terrorism a much bigger concern. Twenty years of wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan left a lot of people hurt, and now airport security is way more intense — and honestly, kind of a hassle,” he said.
Sophomore Victoria Otero, a member of our SALTT, Key Club, and Purple Hearts, says, “9/11 changed the world by making security much stricter, especially in airports. It also led to wars and conflicts in the Middle East. People also became more aware of terrorism, but it also caused fear and discrimination.”
Even though it’s been over two decades since 9/11, its impact is still felt in our daily lives — from how we travel to how we think about safety and global conflict. It’s a day that changed the course of history, and one that reminds us to stay aware, united, and compassionate toward others.
