This year was the 20^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks. Those 20 years gave birth to our generation, Generation Z. Characteristic of Gen Z’s tendency to progress from the previous generations’ ways of thinking, we have a changing perspective on 9/11.

Our parents remember exactly “where they were and what they were doing,” said senior Gabby Copeland.

While this event seems like history to us because we were not alive, “it still feels current because the effects can still be felt today,” said senior Gage Gottman.

Senior Dana Hernandez also noted that, though we were not there, “we still feel the heartbreak when it is brought up.”

Part of our changing perspective of 9/11 is due to its portrayal in the media. Both Hernandez and Copeland emphasized the polarizing effects the media has on their interpretation. Instead of providing unbiased information, many news sources tie in government conspiracies and prejudice.

Many of us think that the school system could do a better job in how they educate us on the attacks. Lots of details, including women, are left out of the story. The education of 9/11 should be “very factual” and include “the events leading up to and after,” said Gottman.

Copeland also stressed the significance of the use of respect when talking about the event. Despite our generation’s changing perspective, there is unchanging appreciation of all the first responders said Copeland.