9/11 Reflection
September 11th, 2001. My mom lets me sit in her designated chair at the dining table. I am excited with this newfound power. She talks but I do not understand what she is saying. She tells me things might change and to go wash my hands before dinner. I exit, but listen in on her conversation with my dad, a sneaky practice I do all the time.
Dad: You think you won’t get much work now?
Mom: (in a firm, tone) Ned, it destroyed the industry.
In March, my mom was laid off from her position as an office manager of a travel agency. The agency closed its doors shortly after September 11th, 2001 as a result of the dramatic decline in business. I did not know it at the time, but my family would be tested by the impacts of the events that left America …show more content…
speechless. My grandparents financially supported my brother and me through grade school at a majority white upper middle class Catholic school in suburban Washington, DC. I highly value the education I received in grade school; however, it was an unforgiving environment. I began questioning my heterosexuality and gender norms in middle school. Moreover, in a religion class, a fellow peer introduced the topic of homosexuality only for it to be shot down by the teacher. Homosexuality was suppressed and gender norms encouraged. Torn between religion and identity, I realized I could not grow in this environment.
August 23rd, 2010. I stand on the corner, waiting for the bus. It is my first day of high school.
As a racial minority in majority-Hispanic public school, the principles of inclusion and tolerance quickly entered my vocabulary. I have danced since I was a kid, so I auditioned for a musical. The relationships I formed offstage became increasingly vital to the exploration of my sexual orientation. After hearing stories of my cast mates’ struggles with their sexualities, I realized I was sheltered from healthy discourse on queer issues. Although my family’s financial situation was trying, I cannot feel sorry about the situation. Falling out of the middle class was a blessing in disguise. I appreciated the generosity of neighbors, who gave me clothes. I attended a public high school, exposing me to diversity and acceptance. I learned to adapt as I forwent many devices and material objects most people take for granted. I learned wealth does not define success.
October 11th, 2013. I am coming out to my parents as bisexual. I exit my room to head to the family room. I stop in the kitchen, listening in on my dad’s argument, a sly practice I did as a kid. However, the counterpart does not argue back.
After
My mom finally responds.
Mom: Things have changed between us.
Dad: No, things have changed with you.
My parents decide to spend some time apart.
My mom and I rent a room in her family's house. While she looks for a full-time position in the public library system, it is extremely difficult to make ends meet with the current amount of work hours available.
December 13th, 2016. My parents file for divorce after a few years of separation. As a result, expenses are split unevenly. I receive several scholarships and grants to finance my tuition and I work part-time to pay for off-campus housing.
As a dual major in International Relations and Conflict Resolution, I hope to excel in the interdisciplinary field of international peace and security. My brother serves in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. His potential involvement in otherwise dangerous situations fuelled my interests in foreign policy and conflict. As first generation college students, my brother and I have already exceeded my parent’s expectations; however, I have an intellectual curiosity and unique motivation to continue learning. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have explored multiple career paths. From geospatial intelligence to international law, I concluded I have numerous career interests. I hope interning abroad will clarify my professional goals. Certainly, my experience abroad will enhance specific skills such as adaptability and initiative useful in several career
paths.
To accomplish these goals, I will need financial assistance. I have grown dramatically in the past six years. I can barely recognize myself. At Chiang Mai University in northern Thailand, I would study environmental, religious, and world economic issues. This program features an internship component to enhance my intercultural communication and professional skills. Thailand is my chance to develop a new perception by studying in a part of the world considered to be the cultural antithesis of the West. Additionally, through studying and interning abroad, I will demonstrate my capacity to learn quickly and develop my interests. As a queer woman, I have a unique perspective on sexuality and gender. Thailand will provide another angle to employ in my studies. The experience will be humbling, improving my character.
Dad: You think you won’t get much work now?
Mom: (in a firm, tone) Ned, it destroyed the industry.
In March, my mom was laid off from her position as an office manager of a travel agency. The agency closed its doors shortly after September 11th, 2001 as a result of the dramatic decline in business. I did not know it at the time, but my family would be tested by the impacts of the events that left America …show more content…
speechless. My grandparents financially supported my brother and me through grade school at a majority white upper middle class Catholic school in suburban Washington, DC. I highly value the education I received in grade school; however, it was an unforgiving environment. I began questioning my heterosexuality and gender norms in middle school. Moreover, in a religion class, a fellow peer introduced the topic of homosexuality only for it to be shot down by the teacher. Homosexuality was suppressed and gender norms encouraged. Torn between religion and identity, I realized I could not grow in this environment.
August 23rd, 2010. I stand on the corner, waiting for the bus. It is my first day of high school.
As a racial minority in majority-Hispanic public school, the principles of inclusion and tolerance quickly entered my vocabulary. I have danced since I was a kid, so I auditioned for a musical. The relationships I formed offstage became increasingly vital to the exploration of my sexual orientation. After hearing stories of my cast mates’ struggles with their sexualities, I realized I was sheltered from healthy discourse on queer issues. Although my family’s financial situation was trying, I cannot feel sorry about the situation. Falling out of the middle class was a blessing in disguise. I appreciated the generosity of neighbors, who gave me clothes. I attended a public high school, exposing me to diversity and acceptance. I learned to adapt as I forwent many devices and material objects most people take for granted. I learned wealth does not define success.
October 11th, 2013. I am coming out to my parents as bisexual. I exit my room to head to the family room. I stop in the kitchen, listening in on my dad’s argument, a sly practice I did as a kid. However, the counterpart does not argue back.
After
My mom finally responds.
Mom: Things have changed between us.
Dad: No, things have changed with you.
My parents decide to spend some time apart.
My mom and I rent a room in her family's house. While she looks for a full-time position in the public library system, it is extremely difficult to make ends meet with the current amount of work hours available.
December 13th, 2016. My parents file for divorce after a few years of separation. As a result, expenses are split unevenly. I receive several scholarships and grants to finance my tuition and I work part-time to pay for off-campus housing.
As a dual major in International Relations and Conflict Resolution, I hope to excel in the interdisciplinary field of international peace and security. My brother serves in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. His potential involvement in otherwise dangerous situations fuelled my interests in foreign policy and conflict. As first generation college students, my brother and I have already exceeded my parent’s expectations; however, I have an intellectual curiosity and unique motivation to continue learning. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have explored multiple career paths. From geospatial intelligence to international law, I concluded I have numerous career interests. I hope interning abroad will clarify my professional goals. Certainly, my experience abroad will enhance specific skills such as adaptability and initiative useful in several career
paths.
To accomplish these goals, I will need financial assistance. I have grown dramatically in the past six years. I can barely recognize myself. At Chiang Mai University in northern Thailand, I would study environmental, religious, and world economic issues. This program features an internship component to enhance my intercultural communication and professional skills. Thailand is my chance to develop a new perception by studying in a part of the world considered to be the cultural antithesis of the West. Additionally, through studying and interning abroad, I will demonstrate my capacity to learn quickly and develop my interests. As a queer woman, I have a unique perspective on sexuality and gender. Thailand will provide another angle to employ in my studies. The experience will be humbling, improving my character.