What Princetonians should learn from 9/11

On a campus as large and diverse as Princeton, it is difficult to pinpoint a single response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. While the recent survey by the 'Prince' suggests that a majority of students do not feel that the attacks of 9/11 continue to affect their daily lives or that they are personally vulnerable to terrorism, 9/11 should teach us how connected we are.

While it is not the only sign that we live in an ever more globalized society, it nevertheless reminds us that what occurs in one corner of the map can affect us all. September 11 brought the caves of Afghanistan to our doorsteps and took U.S. troops to the caves of Afghanistan. Iraqi families saw their worlds turn around because of decisions made in Washington. And even now, due to the actions of several British citizens, Americans cannot bring a water bottle or lipstick on a plane, regardless of where they are traveling. As we honor those who died on 9/11, we should also recognize all those beyond the orange bubble and beyond the U.S. border whose lives are intricately connected to our own.

Even at Princeton, there is much you can do to better understand the networks and channels of the real world that you will soon have to face. Take an economics class to understand why your trips to the gas pump are getting so expensive or an environmental science class to learn what other effects that gas may have on you. Take a politics class and determine for yourself what, if anything, you are willing to sacrifice in the name of national security. Learn about Islam. Learn about the Middle East. Take a biology class and learn about bioterrorism. Learn about other cultures. Learn other languages. Talk to someone in ROTC. Talk to someone who disagrees with you about racial profiling. And since you're so close, learn the true meaning of the word "comeback" and take a trip to New York or the Washington, DC area.

We're not suggesting that you do everything in the name of 9/11 or in preparation for the next terrorist attack — simply that you realize that the effects of your actions on the rest of the world and the actions of the rest of the world on you are greater than you might initially think. As any physics professor can tell you, for every action there is a reaction. Your opinions may not change, but you will be more informed, you will be a better citizen and you will be more prepared for whatever the future has in store.