8/4/2019 9/11 Survivors Ten Years Later (Page 5)

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High School for Leadership and Pub-

licServices was as unique as a high

school experience can be and my

junior year began like any other.

Situated next to the American

Stock exchange, students traveled

from Chinatown, Harlem and all

ive boroughs to attend the small

public high school. From the 14thloor lunchroom, to the gym in

the basement, the one-time ofice

building was as unlikely a school

building as could be.

Still downtown Manhattan was

our playground and on September

10th, 2001 I walked through the

mall beneath the World Trade

Center. That night back in the

Brooklyn apartment where I lived

with my mother and three siblings

I hadnt a clue it would become my

last night as a normal sixteen year

old girl.

The following day was beautiful

and bright. My mother, the principals secretary, and I commuted separately

to the school. My irst class was in a windowless classroom on the 10th loor.

I was in my seat by 8:25, just about the time American Airlines Flight 11 made

a 100 degree turn towards New York City.

The next few days were a blur as I tried to locate my ireighter father who

as it turns out, was working in the wreckage. My mother says I watched

footage of the attack over and over again. I dont remember much about the

weeks following the attacks.School was cancelled, reconvening months later in another location. Our

irst day back was illed with emotional electricity; students and faculty were

crying, hugging, cheering we had become a ive hundred person family with

an uncommon bond. Speaking of 9-11 however was dificult and I never fully

shared my experience with anyone. Instead I shut down, insisting to myself

that I was unfazed and just ine.

Now almost ten years later, I ind myself reminded of the attacks con-

stantly. Every time Im confronted with 9-11 in a movie, in artwork, or a book

I break down. It took me ten years to realize Im not ine and the only way to

heal is to confront my memories of that day. To relive what I saw, heard, felt,

and tasted. Go back inside the choking ash cloud, completely grey and aloneas the world crashes, literally, around you.

I did go back, and remembered a lot that Id forgotten. Its funny the things

that stay with you a Japanese tourist giving me his water on the bus that

inally took me out of lower Manhattan, or the sickly sweet burnt smell that

permeated the air for months, yet I have no recollection of my reunion with

my mother that evening. She remembers it, and it was amazing to hear about

her ordeal that day. Talking about 9-11 brought my family closer together

and my healing process has, inally, begun.

______________________________

"I still live and work in NYC as a wardrobe stylist and fashion writer; I invite

you to visit my website at: www.kerrirenae.com ."PHOTO CREDIT: U.S. Air Force Phot

Kerri Quigley

9/11

SURVIVOR

10YEARSLATER