September 11, 2001 was a few weeks into my SMU experience. I was a first-year living in McElvaney Hall. I remember my dad calling and waking me up to tell me to turn on the TV. I was shocked at what I saw but thought…I’ve got to get on with my day and get ready for class. I went down the hall to shower and when I came back out the 2nd tower had been hit. I then realized the enormity of what was happening. I was an aspiring journalism major so I pulled out my handheld video camera and began to record the day. I took video of the TV in our dorm room, the assembly at the flagpole and interviewed friends on campus.

10-years later and thanks to my SMU degree, I am a professional journalist. Now I get to cover history changing events like 9/11 and I’m looking forward to being a part of the anniversary coverage.

I still get tears in my eyes thinking about that day and all it changed. Thanks SMU for comforting your students then providing a safe home when things seemed uncertain.