Sharon Eickhoff’s 9/11 Experience
On
September 11, 2001 Ms. Sharon Eickhoff was 36 years old and teaching journalism
at Mooresville High School.
“I was teaching class, and then I was scheduled to go on
a field trip with the students to Lebanon.
We never made it to Lebanon. The
school called us back,” Eickhoff said. “Students on the bus were glued to their
phones; some were crying and worried because they knew people in New York. I just tried to stay calm to keep them calm,
but inside I was probably just as upset as they were.”
Once they returned they turned on the
televisions after the first plane hit.
“The students and I watched as
the second plane hit. All of us were in
total disbelief, but the thought of it being caused by terrorists didn’t really
sink in at first,” Eickhoff said, “I felt paralyzed in my thinking. I couldn’t believe our country was under
attack. It made me think of Pearl Harbor
and what people were feeling at that time. At first, I thought it was a terrible
accident, but when the second plane hit and then the others; I felt a deep
inner sense of insecurity. I felt
helpless and wanted to go to NY to help.
I think when people feel helpless; they try to find a purpose to regain
some sense of control.”
Things were
different that day.
“In the
afternoon, we tried to conduct classes as best as possible, but all
conversations revolved around the constant news coming from the media. In a
way, we all came together more because I think we felt we needed a sense of
security in a time of chaos,” Eickhoff said. “Driving home was
indescribable. On every overpass, there
were people waving the flag. Others were
honking and chanting ‘U.S.A.’ I had never in my life seen such a display of
American spirit as I did on that day and for many days after. It was an oxymoron – a terrible event brings
out the best in people.”
The
events of this day changed the lives of Americans forever.
“I have always
been patriotic, so that part didn’t really change. I did want to become involved in the Red
Cross more and I know that is what I will do when I retire. I feel that over the course of time, our
personal freedoms have taken a hit as a result of 9/11,” Eickhoff said. “I also
feel that there is much less trust among people which saddens me. I think 9/11 robbed us of our sense of
invincibility, and now we are very quick to react to situations. We are willing to trade in our freedoms for
safety, and I don’t know if, in the long run, that that is a good idea. Time will tell.”
