Trauma Relief Program Writings

““…these programs have really inspired my students to love learning…this program goes both ways: it helps the students become more creative and the results also show up in the test scores…”. ”
— Julie Feinberg, 5th Grade teacher, PS 31

We began our creative Trauma Relief Program in the aftermath of 9/11 to help our students deal with their emotions about the
attacks and to keep them from turning their anger upon Muslim classmates. The program gave children a safe and supportive way to share their feelings and ask questions. We exhibited artwork and writing from the Trauma Relief Program at the Empire State Building in December 2001 - one of the first events to focus on the experiences of children post 9/11.

Trauma Class Samples

I feel very sad. I also feel like a part of me left. I feel I will never be the same. When I think about what happened and I look out the window, I feel empty, just like the hole where they once stood touching the sky. -Alexandra, 5th Grade

This memory I found in My big toe. It was in the shape of a star. It was blue. It was heavy but I managed to carry it up to my heart. I brought it deep into my heart. As soon as I put it there, it turned yellow. It started turning around. Light shown all through my heart. When I first saw the memory, it made me sad, but when I brought it up to my heart, it made me feel a little better. Now I know where it is and I can always go get it. The star is still turning and the light is still shining! -Toni-Anne, 6th Grade

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Before the attack on September 11 I would walk to school with my friend. We passed people we don't know. We would walk and see all kinds of people. One day we passed by the police station and said hello. Then the next day we went to school and passed by people again. But when we got out of school that day, there was a lot of commotion going on. My friend and I were really scared. Now everyday, when I leave to go to school, my mom tells me, "not to talk to anyone I don't know." So does my friend's mom. I see some people looking at people suspiciously. I feel scared, because I don't know what is going to happen next! I think the whole community is scared. I hope nothing else happens. Everyone will remember this day. Also everyone will remember the Twin Towers. - Alana

On September 10th I walk around my neighborhood. I see a fireman and a policeman talking and drinking coffee. I felt kind of happy when I walked by them. "There's just nothing to worry about today," I said Today I walked to school with my eight-year-old sister. I'm holding her hand tight as I could. "I'm afraid something might happen," I thought. I see the same people walking around the neighborhood at the same time and saying "hi" or "have a nice day." That's kind of like support for my community. I see the same firemen and policemen as I walk by. I think to myself, "This is the best place for me because there is security all around." I felt extremely happy that there were people right around the corner who were able to help us when we need them. I think my community needs more security. - Katherine

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I woke up in the morning to the sound of my youngest child crying. I went to tend for him remembering my hours that had just gone by. My son wants water and it is outside. I have to comfort him with the fear of going outside by myself. My day was terrifying, I heard gunshots and many Taliban members. Now all I want to do is forget about it, but somewhere in my head it's still lingering. I passed a Taliban member today, my heart was beating very hard I just passed by not making a single sound. I cannot even see well with these clothes, but I have the fear of dying so I must. - Rachel

I woke up in the morning and I knew I was still alive. I also heard airplanes flying in the air dropping food, clothes, water, medicine, and other useful things. On my bed I had my dog Buster. He was the only one I had because the rest of my family I lost when I was on my way to a refugee camp. I'm in a refugee camp that is located in Pakistan. I was walking around the refugee camp and in the middle I found a hole and I asked someone. They said that a woman was blown up by a mine that was left from the Russian war. I looked at the scene for the whole day with Buster and I also prayed that I will be alive and also so I can find my family and start a new life in Pakistan. - Anonymous