For most of us college students, we were in pre-school or elementary school when we heard about the planes crashing into the twin towers. As little kids, we had no clue what was going on. Many of us lost family members, friends, and relatives that day whether they were passengers on the planes that the terrorists hijacked, first-responders and fire fighters, or working as employees in the Twin Towers.

I remember I was only five years old when the events of 9/11 transpired. It seems that it was only yesterday I was witnessing the haunting images of the towers burning on the evening news. Fast forward fifteen years and now I am a senior at Texas Christian University who has less than 32 weeks left until she walks across the stage to receive her bachelor's degree in Music Performance.

The events of 9/11 has taught me many things about life in general.

First of all, the events of 9/11 has taught me how precious life is. Although I was fortunate to not have lost a loved one during that fateful day, I learned an important lesson about never taking the time we spend with others for granted. Every single day, our friends and family board airplanes trusting that airport security has done its job effectively and that there are no weapons or menacing people aboard. Every day, our family and friends head off to school and work hoping to see our family again at the end of the day. Every day soldiers say goodbye to their loved ones as they leave for deployment somewhere in our country or abroad. Every day, we college students choose the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in other countries during the summer or during the school year. Unfortunately, many families and friends grieve every day because they will never see the people who matter most to them ever again. Every moment we spend with our loved ones is valuable. Let us not forget that.

The events of 9/11 has taught me to never take my freedom for granted. Yes, I have been at fault for complaining about petty issues in my life on several occasions. However, I know I could have it much worse. I could be persecuted or murdered for my beliefs, my race, or what I say on a day-to-day basis. I am so blessed to live in a country where freedom rings and I would never trade it for anything else.

9/11 has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and my country. I know that there are many heroes that dwell in my community and country who sacrifice countless hours, days, weeks, months, and years. These individuals put in so much work and never expect a thank you. They work on holidays and may not see their families during Thanksgiving or Christmas. They put their lives on the line so that we can enjoy the freedoms we enjoy on a day-to-day basis. I know that I am forever indebted to the policemen, the nurses, the doctors, the firefighters, and most importantly our men and women who serve in the United States military. The least I can do is show appreciation and respect for what they do whether it be to play "Taps" at military funerals and/or help someone out.

After I graduate from TCU, I am planning on joining the United States Marine Corps so that I can ensure that the freedoms we enjoy right now are preserved for future generations. I know that freedom is not free and I am willing to pay the price for my fellow countrymen. My heart beats red, white, and blue for you, America.

Most of all the events of 9/11 have taught me to never ever give up. It has taught me to finish what I have started. I know that I will fail (because we are not all perfect), but I know that not trying or refusing to get up after falling is worse than failing.