How 9/11 Shaped My Life

Freya: When I was young, I didn’t really understand the significance of the day. But around the 10th anniversary, I realized, “Oh, this is huge,” and then it became very depressing. On the morning announcements at school, they’d show a video tribute, and those videos were obviously very sad. In middle school, some kid told me that I was the reincarnation of Osama bin Laden. So I used to wish I was born on the 10th or the 12th. I actually didn’t celebrate my birthday from ages 10 to 13. It just felt inappropriate and weird to be so happy when everyone else was not. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told people my birthday, and it becomes a whole conversation. When I need ID at a bar or when I have to pick up a prescription, and they ask me for my birthday, they’re like, “Really?” I’ve even had people ask me, “What was that like for you?” And I have to say, “Well, I was not even born yet so I was not aware of anything.” I’ve learned to just say my birthday is in September. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I like my birthday. It’s such a beautiful time of year. I’m at the point where I can acknowledge that it was sad, but I can also celebrate myself. All my friends tell me that when they think of 9/11, they think of me as their first thought.