I was fortunate not to know someone directly affected by 9/11.

However, it's a day I will never forget and the feeling is still raw even now years later.

I was in my office at work when I first heard about the twin towers being hit. There was confusion, as if the planes hitting the towers was an accident. When I heard a second plane hit the towers, I knew in my gut this was no accident. I did not want to believe it, but something just felt very wrong about it. I immediately called my parents to tell them. They were still in bed and had no clue. They did not believe what I was saying. They kept saying, "No, no, it must have been an accident." That conversation was a moment I will never forget. My parents, who mean the world to me and I look up to, were in complete shock and denial over it. They said they never thought they would see the day where we were attacked on American soil, and to such degree. The sounds of their scared and disbelieving voices left me with a chill; I still get to this day when thinking about it.

For the first time ever, my work had a TV in the lunch room. Later, I went to my apartment for lunch, glued to the TV in fear and awe. I remember feeling overwhelmed with the desire to be with my family and fiance. It was so hard to emotionally head back to work.

This day changed my life forever, though certainly not to the degree as the people who were close to it. It changed the way I think, where I feel comfortable going, etc. I attended a concert shortly after 9/11 at The Fleet Center in Boston. The crowd was huge. I thought, what an excellent place for another terrorist attack. Is this how I will think forever now? Is this the new normal?

As many you might not know, I am a reserved person on some things. I do make myself get out there and see the world. Whenever I'm in a place where I think something like this tragedy could happen I tell myself -please not on this day. It may sound crazy but for some of us this day has caused us some anxiety. The day, as well as some other moments, have taught me to live life to the fullest! Life is too short, so get out there and live it!

Due to the actions on 9/11, I am left with even more worries for my children—yet, another evilness that is out there: terroism. I hope as a country we are smarter and more prepared to stop this from happening again.

Thank you to all the emergency teams and anyone who were heroes on 9/11—to all the men and women who helped after & during the twin towers collapsing. Much thanks to all the men and women who fight for our country to protect us.

Where were you on 9/11? How has it changed your life or way of thinking?