Eight Years Ago

I was in my sophomore year of college when the news hit the big screen in the lower Johnson Center of Cascade College. I remember thinking, "This is a big deal" and yet not really knowing how big of a deal it really was. However I got a clearer picture of the magnitude of this event in history class.

His name really was Dr. Gross. Our history teacher who in the classroom took no nonsense and was a man to be feared, but who outside the classroom seemed like the most patient and gentle person I had ever met.

Some of us weren't sure if we would even be having class that day with the news of the days events fresh on our minds. We weren't even sure if Dr. Gross would be coming in to teach. However as the class waited patiently, in walked Dr. Gross.

As Dr. Gross unpacked a few things someone from the crowd (probably a freshman) had the audacity to ask the question , "will we be having class today?". All of us sunk further back in our chairs to avoid the tongue lashing we were sure was due us. All save the naive freshman who at the time probably did not realize that their question would receive a response that I and the whole classroom would never forget.

Dr. Gross looked up from his notebook (that was clearly open to teach class) but his eyes were soft and full of compassion. A look that was not familiar in the classroom. Dr. Gross' gaze grew more stern as he passionately replied, "You have lived through a period of time during this nations existence that will forever be remembered in history. All of the history books that your children will own will have this day in it. If you didn't know already now you know people hate you because of the simple fact that you are an American."

All of us were now listening intently to every word. All of us I believe sensed that we were living history in history class. Dr. Gross went on to speak about terrorist and terrorism saying, "The purpose of terrorists is to cause chaos and confusion. Furthermore their goal is to stop the progress of the society they are terrorizing. If we canceled class today they would get just that. They would be successful at stopping the progress of America. But today in the midst of great loss and fear we will continue to live life and progress in free America. Now please open your books to..."

In my minds eye these are the events and occurrences of what happened that afternoon. I'm sure some of what I remember is romanticized. But one thing is for sure; I will never forget the day Dr. Gross and his class stood up against terrorism September, 11 2001 at a tiny little college in a small classroom in America.