A time to heal -- life and the holidays after Sept. 11
by Patreece Dade, reporter

    For many TCC students, this holiday season is more significant than any other they have experienced.

    Yes, the traditional mistletoe will be visible as will the garland, lights and candles that are such vital fixtures in holiday decor. However, something else is making an indelible mark on the traditions and celebrations of this 2001 holiday season—the tragedy of Sept. 11.

    While American military in Afghanistan devise intricate strategy, citizens at home are rethinking and evaluating their holiday itinerary from traveling, to spending, to even participating in festivities.

    As many other Americans, TCC students are finding themselves reflecting on Sept. 11 and its impact on their holiday activities.

Lisa Markham, 34, a NE Campus nursing major, shared the effects of Sept. 11 on her family.

    “As far as spending, we’re more concerned about saving money. My family is here in the DFW area, so it hasn’t affected our traveling. I think it definitely makes you think of your mortality and appreciate your family. I’ve always been a Christian, but I’ve prayed a lot more for the families that have been affected by this.”

    Markham is not alone. Several TCC students from admit that in some way—either emotionally or financially—the events of Sept. 11 have made an impression on their holiday spirits.

    Kacie Kresta, 18, SE Campus music major, said the events turned her thoughts toward family.

    “Sept. 11 makes me realize that family is important and precious to have. I will be thankful to spend Christmas with them,” she said.
Diana Wallace, 38, a South Campus nursing major, said the stock market slump hurt her family.

    “We’re going to cut back. We’re doing a lot of baking this Christmas. We were going to fly the kids to San Antonio, but we’re going to drive them. I am not comfortable with putting them on a plane, she said.

    Tam Vu, 19, a first-year student on NE, said his emotions and spending have been affected.

    “It hasn’t affected my everyday life, but it has affected my emotions. I feel terrified for the people who were killed by the terrorist attacks. And, I feel lucky that my close family and friends are still with me for the holidays. I think I’ll spend more this Christmas holiday because I will give money to charities aiding the Sept.11 victims,” she said.

    For some students, such as Maury Cannon, 20, SE Campus radio-TV-film major, the atrocious act set upon our nation moves them to display emotions and acts of kindness they otherwise might have never experienced, prior to that doleful day.

    “Emotionally, it is not as happy a holiday as it should be. I am thankful that my family was not affected, but my heart goes out to those who families were,” he said.

    Jesse Tucker, 17, NE Campus nursing major, has changed his spending habits.

    “I am going to make it a point to give money to charities for the Sept.11 tragedy. It will be the first time I’ve given money to any charity,” he said.

    Consequently, some students, such as Anne Nguyen, 20, NW student, said they have experienced a deep spiritual or emotional insight since the act that took so many lives almost three months ago.

    “I think our occasion will be a little bit better because we won’t take our family for granted. We will actually appreciate each other,” she said.

    Cindy Knabe, 40, NW family counseling major, has seen a difference in others.

    “I’ve noticed a change here on the campus. People are friendlier now. You go to a store, and people are opening doors now. I’ve seen people offering to carry packages for older people, and this didn’t happen before Sept. 11,” she said.

    Military service is on the minds of several students.

    Denise Rios, 34, South nursing major, serves in the Navy reserves.

    “If I were traveling, I would still go. I’m not letting it hinder my celebrating. However, I am a Naval reservist, so I wonder if and when I will be called up,” she said.

On SE Campus, Paul Ford, 19, communications major, is in the National Guard.

    “The Sept. 11 tragedy made me sad,” he said. “If I am shipped out, I will go to Afghanistan willingly. My family lives down here, so I am not worried about traveling.”

In contrast, not all students feel directly affected by the trage-dy, but even still some individuals are feeling apprehensive because of the effects stemming from 9-11.

Marcel Deoliveira, 21, NE biology major, expressed mixed emotions.

“It has not affected my traveling because I had no plans to travel, but I am a little nervous about all this Anthrax business. It’s mostly psychological … you know stress,” she said.

Ashley Chambers, 21, South nursing major, also shared the tragedy’s lack of effect on her personal life.

    “It hasn’t affected me a lot. I just think it’s important for everyone to have a safe holiday, to not be afraid, and to try not to let things get you down,” she said.

    Students who work in retail noticed a difference over the Thanksgiving holiday. Laura Scandizzom, 21, SE voice performance major, works for San Francisco Musicbox Company.

    “On the day after Thanksgiving, the busiest shopping day, we sold $5,000 worth of merchandise compared to last year’s $10,000,” she said.

    NW psychology major Jesse Reid, 19, stressed the importance of looking toward the future.

    “It was a tragedy, and we’re all sorry it happened, but it’s the same as other tragedies. We have to move on with life. I think without a doubt the year’s going to be a little dreary. It was such a large tragedy, everyone’s going to feel it to a certain degree,” he said.

    Knabe also offered a positive view of Sept. 11 and its effects.

“It had seemed as though the world would have to come to an end before people would treat each other nicely. So at least some good has come out of it.”

    With Mary Barrera (South), Lauren Crider (NW) and Eric Hooker (SE)