Coping Since Sept. 11
NPR Listeners Reflect on Life After National Tragedy

The following three letters were received from high school students in Arizona.

I am a World Class champion Indian Celebration dancer, also known as a Pow-Wow dancer. The World Championships are held each year in Mashantucket, Conn., where 500 tribes compete in different categories for their titles. Every year when we go to compete, my friends and I go to New York City. As of right now, I don't feel like going to any major city; a side trip that I used to enjoy. To make matters worse is the fact that my birthday was pretty much forgotten. It was only a week away from the Sept. 11 events, and every time I think of my birthday I think of the people who passed on. It's hard for me to be strong and forget.

Lee J., 17

My life was going fine until the World Trade Center was attacked. My dad is a Hopi silversmith, but because of this tragedy he has been slowing down on making his jewelry. Because the airports closed and flights were cancelled, buyers from Japan and other countries couldn't fly out here. Because of this, business has been slowing down for him. Now he has to find another job until this tragedy is over. Now I might not be able to go anywhere like school field trips or just for vacation. We might have to save whatever money my parents make for bills and food. But it's all right because we still have a place to live and food to eat. I wish that the FBI and the other law enforcement agencies would catch Osama bin Laden so we can start living a peaceful and happy life.

Arthur T., 14

The morning of the terrorist attack, I didn't know how to react to the situation. Once people started talking about the future I started to become a little frightened. The word 'war' terrified me. The first thought that popped into my head was 'I hope my brother and my cousins who serve in the armed forces won't be shipped off.' In a way though, I was not so scared because I live on a small reservation. Here, all of the people care for each other and look out for one another. We would all protect ourselves from the things that may come. When I thought of that, I was a little relieved. Overall, I hope we could just once get along with one another.

Marissa L., 14

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