This Mom's Confessions

By

9/11 A World Changed

Filed Under: BLOG, Sponsored Posts Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

*Sponsored article for BlogHer and Kaplan University, but all opinions and recollections of 9/11 and September 11th here are my own.

I never dreamed a simple newspaper photograph would stir up so much emotion in me.

But that is exactly what happened to me back during September 2001.

Many may have an idea of where I am going with this.  Most know that on September 11, 2001 or 9/11 this country was attacked by terrorists. I happen to live in NY. I actually live on Long Island to be more specific. See Long Island is 45 minutes by train to midtown NYC. It is also about an hour to downtown Manhattan by way of subway transfer from the LIRR.

Back in early 2001, I was working in a financial (brokerage house) company on Long Island. I was inching my way to a promotion for the better part of that year. So when my promotion time came up, I offer the promotion. But there was a glitch. I would have to leave the Long Island office. See the promotion would have me move to their downtown NYC office to get promoted in the company.

It was August 2001 at this point. At this point, I sat down and weighed my options. See as much as I loved the excitement of the stock market, I felt that there was more out there than a sales assistant position in a less than stellar company. I started to look elsewhere to see what my options were.

It quickly dawned on me. See if I went back to school to finish up my education, that I could do even better for myself.

Many who read my blog know my lifelong dream was to be a teacher. It was then that I decided to fulfill this dream. So, I signed up to complete my studies to become an educator. Then, I put in my two weeks’ notice and never looked back.

9/11 A World Changed

9/11 Only a month later…

On 9/11, I was driving to an early morning class. During my drive listening to  z100 radio station, they broke through to announce it.

One of the Twin Towers in lower downtown Manhattan had been struck by a plane. Still, I was in disbelief.

See I went to class believing that this was some sort of joke or hoax on the radio station’s part. Why? Because the radio station was notorious for gag/comedy routines. So, I seriously never thought twice that it was actually real.  Little did I know, nothing would ever be the same again for so many.

The Aftermath of 9/11…

The following days after 9/11 were a blur to me. But still I remember watching the 9/11 footage. I can never forget the pleas from relatives to find their loved ones who had unfortunately perished. Plus, I still recall the local newspaper articles describing the tragedy in full.

09-11-01-Newsday

Originally found in Newday Archives.

One of these newspaper articles even had a full blown aerial picture of the actual tragic scene.

One of the worst moments for me after 9/11….

Reading the local Newday to see an arial shot of lower Manhattan, I saw this image. Then, I spotted Courtland Street. See this is where I would have been working with the promotion I was offer. Only, I didn’t as I went back to school. But had I not gone back to school a month earlier and taken the promotion, this is where I would have been.

So on the actual image of Courtland Street was written “Debris from Trade Center Attacks”.  Meaning the buildings collapsed, but the remnants scattered onto the street where I would’ve worked.

Not the original photo, but still it hits home.

Also, I looked further and saw the Subway station. This is the subway station I would have gotten off at for work. See it was underground in the one of the towers.

This is when it dawned on me. I theorized that I would have been down there when the building got hit. Plus, I would have been trapped in the subway car when this occurred. See this was the time I would reported to work.

That is when it hit me that I would have been in the middle of the 9/11 tragedy. I would likely not have survived 9/11.

Going back to school saved me…

The decision to return to school saved me. However, I sat with that paper image for about an hour. All the while, bawling my eyes out. Rung out from he realization. Also, thankful that I had made the decision to re-enter the school system to change careers. If I ever had any doubts, I now knew I made the right decision to return to school. Plus, I was selfishly so happy that I did.

Looking to change careers, too?

Are you also looking to change careers? Maybe you would like to become a teacher, nurse, IT professional, or enter the business world. There are options. See you don’t have to be stuck in a dead end career. Nowadays you can go to college from the convenience of home. See you can use your own computer at home. How? Sign up at Kaplan University for all of the above degree programs.

My own choice led to bigger and better. So could yours!  I only wish Kaplan University was an option back in 2001 to go back to school virtually. See I went to a local university. I sat in large college classes listening to professors drone on. But Kaplan seriously has it going on with all-online programs. See you can work your class studies around your schedule all while learning from the comfort of home. And Kaplan has so much faith in their programs. So they offer The Kaplan Commitment. This is a 3-week introductory period, where there is absolutely no financial obligation beyond their application fee.

Whether you’re seeking further success in your current role or a new opportunity, Kaplan University helps you prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead.*

As an accredited university built on more than 75 years of experience,† Kaplan University offers a wide range of career-focused programs. These programs are designed to develop the skills and knowledge leading employers seek. Their focus is to offer you the most direct educational path to achieve your goals.

So are you ready for a change?  

Learn more at kaplanuniversity.edu.

* Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

† Kaplan University is regionally accredited. Please visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/about/accreditation-licensing.aspx# for additional information about institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Sharing is caring!

About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. massholemommy says

    I don't think I've ever seen that areal view of the scene before. Things happen for a reason, I suppose, so you weren't meant to be getting off at that stop that day.
    My recent post Getting The Tree

  2. Karen says

    wow…I think there are a lot of people who made split decisions to be there and not be there that day…and lives forever changed by evil. I can't even imagine what you must have been feeling as you realized your deicison saved your life. I was at work that morning, happily teaching and unaware of why everyone was so upset. My hubby called me to tell me and I looked up in shock at the school secretary and she asked…"You didn't know?" I shook my head…I had no clue and was stunned and my first thought do any of my students have parents that work in the city….
    My recent post MY Wish List

    • Janine Huldie says

      Karen, I truly think you are so right and totally know I wasn't the only one to make a split decision on that day whether to be there or not. I would be lying if I said I am not happy that my split decision was to not be there, but seriously just thankful that I made that decision in the end. And like you I will never forget that day or how I found out either.

  3. dianeroark says

    Janine,

    I truly believe that God has a plan to work everything out. He is not finished with you yet. He has great plans for your life. You are just beginning to see the plans that He has for you. May God continue to lead and bless you and your great blog always.

    Great Great Post!
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
    My recent post Picture Christmas Ornaments

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Diane and truly hope you are right, because I have so much more to give and can't wait to see what my life does have in store for me. Also, may god bless you, too my friend! 🙂

  4. katbiggie says

    Wow, that is one of the strongest testimonies I have ever heard for returning to school! I can imagine your fear when you considered the "what if's" and were so glad you decided to pursue a different career. This was a really interesting tidbit of information about your life Janine.
    My recent post Does Google Know it’s my Birthday?

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks so much Alexa and I seriously was never happier that I did make this decision, because I really never want to have to think of would have if I didn't.

  5. notinjersey says

    was it z100 you were listening to? I had stayed home that day, meant to go into my internship late. I always thought about where I would have been on my drive to work when it came on the radio and what I would have thought. on part of my drive I could actually see the skyline!
    My recent post A Few Of Our Favorite Things–Giveaway

    • Janine Huldie says

      Dara, it was totally z100 and they always did the prank call segment. So, I seriously just thought at first that it was some sort of prank, because of that. I never imagined otherwise, until I was in class and had a classmate come in as white as a ghost telling us what had happened. I, too, still remember seeing the skyline and the smoke coming from the distant sky.

  6. Billybuc says

    Well I speak for all of us in saying I'm glad you are still here. Close call for sure and a real eye-opener regarding appreciating every single day of life. Have a great day Janine.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank seriously Bill so much for saying that. Trust me, I am so happy that I am still here and that I can tell the story instead of someone else having to do it for me. Wishing you a wonderful Monday now, too!!

  7. The Dose of Reality says

    Wow, what a powerful post. I can remember the horror of that day vividly and I was nowhere near it and didn't have a personal connection like that at all. So glad that you were in school and not in the middle of those events. –Lisa

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you Lisa and I don't think I will ever forget that day. And I am just glad in the end that I did make this decision for this and so many others reasons.

  8. Michelle Liew says

    Wow, Janine, this was poignant. Whatever it was, I thank God that you made the correct decision indeed. This was one terrible event.
    My recent post Finding serene doves

  9. tiffanigoff says

    Wow, what a story. Luckily God was looking out for you and wanted you to be the teacher and Mommy you have become. xoxo

  10. dishofdailylife says

    It's amazing how certain decisions change our lives isn't it? I'm glad you weren't there. My heart goes out to all of those that were. I remember exactly where I was that day…and I remember that my oldest son, who was so little at the time, actually pointed out the airplane hitting the building on tv. We were visiting friends in Boston. My sister in law was supposed to be boarding a flight and was en route to the airport when she heard the news. We of course were panicked because we didn't know she hadn't departed yet. Horrible isn't even enough to describe that day…evil…I have a pit in my stomach just thinking about it.
    My recent post Personalized Christmas Gift Tags {Guest Post}

    • Janine Huldie says

      So sorry to make you relive that day a bit with this. It really was just an awful day, but am thankful for not being directly involved and just so sorry for all who were indeed involved that day. Those poor people who perished that day and their families. I will forever feel a pit in my stomach when I think about that to be quite honest.

  11. tamaralikecamera says

    Holy cow – Kaplan may well have saved your life! My ex boyfriend was on his way to NYC. He worked in the WTC, and I've never been happier that he was NOT a morning person and wasn't due to get to work until 10 that day..
    My recent post Invisible Mama.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Tamara, I know scary what had a hand in keeping me safe that day. Thank god also for your ex-boyfreind and who would have thought not being a morning person would pay off on that particular day!

  12. day-with-kt.com says

    This post gave me chills – I can't even imagine being that close to a tragedy!! I'm so happy that you made the choice to go to school instead of taking that promotion.
    That was definitely a scary day/time – Chris was gone for a month (he had left the day before) and the base he was at went into lockdown because of the nature of the base. I didn't get to talk to him until late that night! I had a 4 month old and an almost 3 year old at the time – sad that they will never know a life without war.
    My recent post MONDAY, MONDAY, MONDAY

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know i really is sad that our kids won't know what it is like to not to have a life with some form of war in it. And I am so sorry you had Chris gone for a month at that time and also that Chris couldn't even call you that day until late. But I agree just an awful, scary day that I hope to never have to relive or go through again!

  13. Mrs. AOK says

    I'm happy you decided to make a change…
    I remember that day all too well.. such a heartbreaking day. I was 4 months pregnant and heartbroken that this was the world I was bringing my daughter in… she would see hate, and sadness.
    Appreciatively the days aren't as gray as I thought they would be… and thankfully we all have you!
    XOXO

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you so much for saying that and trust me I am so happy to be and friends with you, too! And you are so right not as bleak as I thought it would be the days following, but definitely a bit of a different world to some extent since. xoxo!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you so much M and you are so right I think we all never really fully recovered 100% after this, but just ended up coping and dealing as best as we could. Hugs right back at you! 🙂

  16. Sandy Ramsey says

    September 11th is one of those days that I can never forget. Ask anyone and I bet they know exactly where they were. I know I do. I cannot even begin to imagine the 'what ifs' that went through your mind but , thankfully, you are still here with us. Great post, Janine…a really great post.
    My recent post Grinch Has A Quote For Your Monday

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you so much Sandy and I really still will never forget my shock at seeing that image. I mean I was upset just like everyone else with that day itself, but then when I realized and it clicked, it truly hit me like a ton of bricks. But I am truly happy to be here and so glad we are friends!! 🙂

  17. @thenoiseofboys says

    I had just moved to the Midwest and I was very worried for my sister on the east coast. It was so surreal. My cousin lost his boss in one of the planes. It was a very defining time in our generation. I am so glad you were safe.
    My recent post Holiday Happiness #Giveaways (Part 1) The Baby Collection Prize Package! ends 12/14

  18. Brittnei Washington says

    Wow, Janine! I can't believe you could have been there at work! That is definitely a mind boggling! So glad that you made that decision to leave when you did! 🙂
    My recent post Family First

  19. gigigirl says

    Wow! That is quite a story and quite a twist of fate! How lucky you made the choice you made…..things often happen for the best and as they should. I was in Manhattan on Sept. 11 but uptown. It was still very scary and there was really no way to leave the island of Manhattan so I felt very cut off from family and friends who lived in other areas. Not a good feeling. Let's hope nothing like that ever happens again. You did succeed in getting your teaching degrees….and one day you will teach again. Lots of love……xxxxoooo

    • Janine Huldie says

      I do totally remember that you were still living in Manhattan and just so glad that that day is behind us and hope to never have to relive or have another like it. Snow is indeed apparently on its way and honestly, I must be mellowing in my old age, because I am resigning myself to the mere fact of it and just living with at this point! Enjoy the 80 degrees and send some warmth back here when you can. Love you xoxo!! 🙂

      • gigigirl says

        Wish I could push this warm air up north…but I hear cooler temps are on the way here too. It was in the 70s today…..It's good you're able to take the winter in stride. Accepting it and making the best of it is the only way to get through it. I remember having more friends come to visit during Jan. and Feb. so I wouldn't have to go out and yet have some social life. And the good news is that spring really does arrive before we know it! Sept. 11 will always be a tragic part of our lives and, yes, let's hope we never have anything like it again. Love you……xxxxoooo

      • Janine Huldie says

        So true Aunt Gloria and just trying my best to live with it and deal. Not too bad in December, because of the holidays, but again you are more then right about January and February. But February is a short month and just keep telling myself that now! Love you, too!! 🙂 xoxo!!

  21. ginnymarie says

    That is such a chilling thought! I was actually in the classroom teaching that day, and when another teacher told me what had happened, I couldn't believe it was as bad as what she told me. Turns out it was much, much worse. I'm so glad you weren't in the wrong place that day!
    My recent post Your Spin Cycle Prompt for 12/9

Footer

Confessions Belong To

I Am A Published Author!

Featured Confessions

Confessions Partners

baby clothes on DHgate.com