‘That solidified every scary thing I was thinking of’

Nicole Stevenson, 36, was a junior in high school when the twin towers were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. When the first plane struck, Stevenson heard her mom from her room let out a sheer panicked scream.

Redlands East Valley, Redlands, Calif., the high school she attended still had students go to school when the first tower was hit. Stevenson said during her whole first period, the news played and as soon as the second plane hit, there was an eery silence before the principal announced school had been dismissed.

Stevenson ran through the gym and to her car while seeing other panicked students run to their cars as well. Her mom frantically called her making sure she got home safe. Her mother was just as panicked as she was. But maybe even more, until she felt the relief of her eldest daughter arriving home.

“That solidified every scary thing I was thinking of,” Stevenson said.

During this time, she thought the first plane that hit was an accident. But she thought wrong. When she had found out that it was a terrorist attack, she was terrified. There was no idea whether other planes were going to be hijacked or if this was a U.S.-wide attack.

“I think at this point everyone was like, this is not an accident.”

The world today is much more different than it was 20 years ago. Before the attacks, you would only have to walk through a metal detector at an airport and you were good to go. But look at us now.

“They didn’t have to give you a full pat-down, you didn’t have to take your shoes off,” Stevenson said. “And I remember when my grandma could just meet me at my gate without needing a ticket.”

It was so easy for the world back then. But now with higher security and more to do after the attacks, fear has changed the way we travel.

Towers fell, buildings burned, lives were lost, and terrified screams were heard around the world. The events of this day have forever impacted millions of people. It was an unforgettable moment that brought our nation together. Sept. 12 should be the day that we all remember when we all treated each other as one. According to Stevenson, despite political controversy and differences amongst our citizens, we were able to come together and unite as a whole.

“I would hope that it would never get out of hand like that again,” Stevenson said. “But I mean, we just have to hope for the best.”