By Kira Cluff
One year after four hijacked planes devastated the United States in an attack that cost more than 3,000 lives, a national survey provided students an opportunity to respond.
Recent data indicates that although 75 percent of students polled in November 2001 felt that Sept. 11 was the most significant event of their lifetime, only 66 percent of respondents polled again in May reported this same significance.
The Horatio Alger Association, a Virginia-based scholarship foundation, provided these figures in their recently released report, '2002-03 State of Our Nation''s Youth.'
'Each year this report allows us a look into how the young people of America see their world,' Horatio Alger President and CEO Walter Scott Jr. told the U.S. Newswire Monday. 'It is important that we take notice what is on the minds of our nation''s young people.'
Staff members from Peter D. Hart Research Associates, on behalf of the Horatio Alger Association, polled students between the ages 13 and 18 on subjects intended to measure the thoughts and feelings of students on a variety of issues.
Typical topics for the survey span subjects from students'' personal support systems to their views on current events.
This year''s report is unique in that it places a proverbial thumb in the artery of young adult opinion concerning an issue currently driving U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
In response to questions asked regarding Sept. 11:
-- 73 percent of the 1,003 students surveyed felt optimistic about the future.
-- 81 percent felt their school was doing enough to keep them safe during the school day.
-- 69 percent reported they felt closer to their families.
-- 34 percent felt like the events of Sept. 11 had not influenced fellow students to be more friendly or considerate-not even for a short time.
'Some people may not feel affected because it''s human nature to go on with life,' said 21-year-old Jaymie Lepinski, a senior from Draper, majoring in audiology and speech-language pathology. 'Their daily lives haven''t changed so they continue.'
'I was on the complete opposite side of the continent,' said 18- year-old University of Utah freshman Corrine Buck from Woodland, Calif. 'It didn''t really hit me until people started telling stories about their aunts and uncles. New York is so far away; it was so hard to comprehend.'
When asked what she felt the long-term effects of Sept. 11 might be she said, 'The effects of Pearl Harbor wore off after a while, but we still visit the memorials.' Buck then added that although the effects of Sept. 11 might lessen, 'It''s still going to be really fresh. It was such a stab in the back and took us by complete surprise.'
'I''ve always had strong feelings for my country,' said Brandon Frampton, a freshman from Pleasant Grove, majoring in mechanical engineering. 'I think many students feel the way I do but I haven''t noticed much change except for the few students who were scared for a while.'
More than anything, the Horatio Alger report reflects a population of students who, although newly aware of the dangers around them, are no less hopeful for the future and no less focused on the pressures of school and home.
'Today''s high school students have been profoundly affected by the events of the past year, but they are reacting in ways that show them to be both pragmatic and optimistic about the future,' Peter Hart, president of Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc., told the U.S. Newswire.
'They are responding to Sept. 11 by looking for ways to help, and looking ahead to graduation with a combination of apprehension and excitement,' he said.