9/11: An Account from Dr. Hollingsworth

Sep. 11, 2001 is a day that will forever live in the hearts of the American people. Life for Americans has not been the same since the events of the infamous day. This complete tragedy initiated radical changes to security, our culture, and even the way people think.

For Communication professor Dr. Randy Hollingsworth, the events of that day are still a vivid memory. Teaching at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida at the time, Hollingsworth remembers the first student coming in to class late and telling him about a plane crashing into a building in New York City. Another student came in, not too far behind him, telling him that the unfolding events seemed like something big. With many of the students being from New York, Hollingsworth decided to cancel class. After saying a prayer, the class went to one of the lounges to watch the news and get in touch with their families. Everyone watched the news in disbelief as the second plane hit. They all struggled to process what was happening. For Hollingsworth, the moment of realization that his brother-in-law occasionally worked in the Twin Towers struck him with worry. This was resolved shortly, when he was told that his brother-in-law had not even gone into the Trade Center that day.

While Doctor Hollingsworth’s brother-in-law was safe at home, nearly 3,000 did not ever go home. Over 6,000 more were injured, and the horror now known as 9/11 has become one of the greatest tragedies in American history. While this tragedy has changed the way many Americans live and think, it is important that we never forget all of the Americans and heroes who lost their lives or their loved ones.