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The
parents of Kiran Raj, a first-year graduate student in electrical
engineering, were keeping tabs on what was happening in the
United States from their home in India. They watched the events
unfold in New York City and Washington, D.C., and grew concerned
over the welfare of their son. Raj assured his parents that
he and his friends were safe. “This isn’t just affecting America,”
Raj says. “It’s a jolt to humanity. Everyone’s affected.”
SU students studying abroad this semester restricted
some of their usual behaviors and took extra precautions. Brian
Morris ’03, who is studying in Hong Kong, says the attacks made
him more aware of his surroundings. He says, for example, that
he’s now less likely to hang out with a group of Americans or
in places popular with Americans or European visitors. “I was
astonished that someone could mastermind an event this large
with such a horrible outcome,” Morris says. “The most difficult
thing is the uncertainty about the future—will the U.S. Embassy
here or any other American interests be a target?”
Syracuse University students studying
abroad in Madrid, Florence, London, and Strasbourg also experienced
the impact of the terrorist actions. A handful of students were
so shaken by the attacks that they decided to return home. But
most chose to stay in their respective international programs
for the semester. They mourned their nation’s loss from afar
through memorial services and special gatherings to discuss
the tragedies.
Elizabeth Shedd, who is studying in Strasbourg,
France, attended a memorial concert in a city cathedral with
more than 2,000 people, and she joined 200 others in observing
three minutes of silence outside the U.S. Consulate General.
“The pain and shock of the attacks on the 11th were lessened
considerably by the response of the French people,” Shedd says.
“Everyone from my host mother to the woman who sold me a cell
phone showered me with sympathy, and I’m really grateful for
it.”
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Overcoming
Tragedy
For some SU students, the events of September 11 have forced a
postponement of their educational plans. The University will afford
special financial consideration to any student who lost a supporting
parent, guardian, or spouse. Those who took a leave of absence
for the fall semester were eligible to receive a grant for all
pending charges for the semester and will be eligible to receive
special financial consideration for the spring 2002 term. “We
want to assure these students that financial support will be there
when they are ready to return to Syracuse University to complete
their studies,” says Christopher Walsh, executive director of
financial aid services. To provide this assistance, the Chancellor
created the Syracuse University September 11th Fund, which is
being supported by donations from alumni, students, faculty, and
friends of the University.
Courtesy
of Light Work/Fazal Sheikh
Abdul Shakour's
eldest wife, Najiba is a toned silver gelatin print by internationally
renowned photographer Fazal Sheikh. It is part of Sheikh’s
exhibition, "The Victor Weeps: Afghanistan," which is
on display through December 31 at Light Work in the Robert B.
Menschel Media Center on campus. |
