Realizing the Unimaginable

            When I heard reports of a terrorist hijack coming in through the news, and along with thirty other classmates, witnessed the Twin Towers crumble into a gigantic ball of dust, I believed for a moment that civilization had degraded to its most barbaric station.  A few weeks later, after the initial shock subsided and things went somewhat back to normal, I decided to put aside my disbelief and face the implications of the tragic events of September 11th.
            As unreal as everything seemed, I began to slowly educated myself about the current politics of warring nations, the conflicts that have existed between the United States and the Middle East, and eventually the entire order of international relations.  Although the high level of tension among the people of the Middle East was always evident, especially between the Israelis and Palestinians, I had no idea that the adversity towards Americans was so passionate as to bring this never-ending war across the ocean and onto our own land.
            My naive perspective was that the United States was neither hated nor loved by anyone; that they were a peaceful giant comfortable in all its wealth, acting once in a while as mediators and spreading their culture of consumerism for the entertainment of all continents.  Due to the absence of any substantial threats during the past decade, this feeling remained; and reinforced by an idealistic media interested in appeasing the public while still engaging them with false sensationalism, I always felt as though I was missing part of what was going on - whether it was negative or positive.  Eventually the follow-up coverage since September 11th has revealed disconcerting truths about those who hate this country, and unavoidable truths about why they hate it.
            On the other hand, being awakened to one side of reality has made me more sensitive toward the other.  After witnessing the kind of acts of hatred that people are capable of, I have acquired a renewed faith in the potential of constructive efforts.  I have also gained credibility in my own capacities as an individual and as part of society.  While I was exposed to unimaginable decadence, it was merely an affirmation that unimaginable elevation is equally as possible.
            In effect, I am motivated to attain new heights in the prospects of an advancing civilization.  Rather than mirroring a state of hopelessness, those tragic events alerted me toward omnipresent ills of society that must be remedied.  What I first felt was a disheartening experience, soon became a prelude for positive transformations, and for greater experiences that are to come, especially in the wake of the worldwide awareness that these acts of fanaticism are unacceptable and must be rooted out for the sake of international cooperation.  For many years to come this date will serve to remind me of my duty to contribute to this advancement - to the best of my unimaginable capabilities.

 

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