Dear America,

On January 6th 2021 I started the day thinking almost nothing about the state of our country. My concerns included finals and touring colleges during the pandemic. I take for granted these rights that I have never had to fight for or fear losing. When our nation’s capitol erupted in violence I was trying to further my right to an education in an online college tour. By the time the session had ended people were scaling the walls of the capitol. They were rioting and not wearing masks. I knew in that moment our country was changing and not for the better. Something did not feel real. It was not until I saw my mom’s terrified face that I remembered her oldest brother, my uncle works in the capitol building. We listened to the reporters on CNN and MSNBC update about the shelter in place. A short cryptic text came through from my uncle saying he was still inside, but he would know more soon. We were left wondering where in the building he was and what he was up against. My family sat in silence watching the windows break and listening to the flashbangs of this terroristic mob for what seemed like hours and only seconds at the same time. The nation was rightfully concerned about the speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi, and the other senators trapped in the chamber. However, this historic building contains hundreds upon hundreds of employees and offices. My uncle was evacuated before any news of injuries or deaths were reported. He could not tell us where he was, but he was safe.  I’ve heard countless stories of where people were when the twin towers were attacked, we learn about this day in history every year. My generation just missed the terrifying experience of living on the day of 9/11, I never thought I could witness such a historic event from my living room and feel such fear, not only for my family, but for hundreds of other families and our country as a whole. And I know I will always remember sitting at my kitchen table thinking about my educational future when I saw part of our country break we were not united anymore.

Sincerely,

Molly Olread