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I was 21 on September 11, 2001, a senior at Colorado State University 1,000 miles from home. My mom called me as I was getting ready to head to class and said a plane hit a building in New York. I didn't believe it until I turned on the television just as the second plane hit the World Trade Center.

The first thing I did was go to the student newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Collegian. I didn't know where else to go. I knew I wasn't going to class. I just knew I had to help be a part of making sure our readers were informed. It was an incredible day for all of Americans, but especially as a journalist. Up until deadline we still had no idea what was happening. We had no idea if there were more attacks, how many people had died or what the long-term impacts would be on our country.

That year, the Montana Grizzlies had opened at the Universtiy of Hawaii. My parents flew home on September 10. Some of their friends were scheduled to fly home on September 11. Being stuck in Hawaii normally wouldn't be negative, but it is when you just want to be home and can't get there.

We all have those memories. I often compare it to my parents' generation and how people remember where they were when President Kennedy was shot.

Twenty years later, the entire day of September 11, 2001 — from the morning phone call to finally sending the paper to production that evening — is still so clear in my mind. I'll never forget the feelings of anger and fear, and the love for our country that followed in the months and years after.

As we gather this week and remember the events 20 years ago, we need to remember also how we all were united as a nation and came together to heal as Americans. Never forget the sacrifices, or the power of the American spirit.

— Annie Wooden