Rosemont High teacher helps students understand the impact of 9/11
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, a Rosemont High social studies teacher is ensuring her students understand the depth of the tragedy and its lasting impact.
“Obviously, the question that we are answering [is] what happened on 9/11,” said Victoria Stolinski, who teaches social studies at Rosemont High.
Each year, Stolinski guides her students through a detailed historical reflection on the events of that day.
“They actually used the airplanes as weapons,” she said.
Stolinski said her students often know about 9/11 in general terms but lack a deeper understanding of its significance.
“They know that much. They know 9/11, they know it in general, but they don’t understand the depth of it,” she said.
For Stolinski, teaching this lesson every September is vital.
“Because I did feel like people were forgetting,” she said.
Her students, many of whom were born nearly a decade after the attacks, are gaining new insights into the tragedy.
“I knew this was just really bad for all of America,” said 17-year-old Mason Arp.
“Painful, because just imagine being there in that time, people going through it,” said 17-year-old Jack Lawrance.
“It was a tragic event, definitely a remarkable moment in the history of our country,” said 16-year-old Alan Rico Hernandez.
“I’m almost grateful that I wasn’t alive to see it live, but then it’s this indescribable horrific loss that never goes away,” said 17-year-old Aubrey Collins.
Even 25 years later, the pain of that day remains vivid for many.
“It affects us. I wasn’t in New York, I was in San Francisco, but it was a big day, and it stayed with us. That’s part of it,” Stolinski said.
She reflected on the shock and devastation of that morning and the days that followed.
“I mean, it was a big deal, and it was so unexpected and, in a sense, barbaric,” she said.
Stolinski hopes her students will carry the lessons of 9/11 with them.
“I think one of the things that it taught me is to appreciate life because nearly 3,000 people that day didn’t realize that September 11, 2001, was going to be the last day of their lives,” Hernandez said. “And so tomorrow’s not promised, and we have to give thanks to God for each day that he gives us.”
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