9/11 is an event that changed the minds of every American citizen. The different perspectives of this event reemerged when Mr.Boroski, a Co-op history teacher, hosted an assembly to honor the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Prior to the assembly beginning, there was the usual chatter of students socializing as freshmen and sophomores filed into their mainstage seats. When the program began, several students slouched in their seats while one student kicked up their feet on the seat in front of them. Another began to read a book and completely disengaged from the presentation. However, when we were able to survey some data of 16 students after the event finished the results were varied.
26.7% said that they did not feel engaged during the assembly.
73.3% said that they did feel engaged.
53.3% said the assembly was not boring.
46.7% said it was boring.
“The history of the U.S. and the Middle East needs to be talked about more or taught about, since most students really don't know much about it,” explained Co-op sophomore Aneisha. “Politics are not just important but also entertaining. And what goes on to make history and the effect on societies.”
“The assembly itself is more a remembrance,” explained history teacher and organizer of the 9/11 anniversary assembly Mr. Boroski. “It’s not made to be totally educational about the causes and effects (of the terrorist attacks). The fact that students want to hear more staff stories – that changes every year. I've heard that teachers are talking too much and (students) want to see more videos. I’ve always found that the students do connect a little bit more when we tell our stories because it humanizes us.”
“I didn’t realize how drastic people were feeling that their only escape was jumping out the windows to their own death,” explained one student in Mr. Nelken’s Honors English 1 class. While other students felt disconnected from the event as they were born many years after it happened.
“Seeing how others came together to help each other during the situation made me have hope. It kind of lit a fire in me to help others,” explained freshman Nadya López. One is led to wonder why it takes a tragedy to bring together a community? And while one community unites, others begin to struggle with all the hate.
“I understand the fear caused from the incident,” explained freshman Malikia, “but I wish the slideshow tackled more on the hate that continued after the event.” Many students have noticed the Islamophobia that continued after 9/11 and how it became normalized alongside the other racism that has stained America’s roots. Acknowledging the need to change the presentation for the incoming years, all three students agreed that it should continue so that it can spread awareness.