Commencement of University Classes

University classes began today for all colleges, the ninth of September. I didn’t know this until later today. This morning began as usual: I took the bus to the center, had my classes, and then I left for lunch. Only today during lunch, everyone around my age was wearing a costume and gallivanting around the city giving out free hugs and free chocolate cake (which I took). This went on all day. People were playing in the fountains and drinking beer in the streets and just having a good time.

Later on in the day, I asked Nathalie what all this was about and she told me they do it every year. After high school, there’s a test called the Bac., which all graduating seniors must take before college. It’s a long drawn out test that lasts for several weeks. This day marked the end of high school, the testing, and the beginning of superiority. Of course, this is grounds for a party. This party lasts from today all the way through Saturday. September ninth, tenth and eleventh.

Of course, not one single American can say September eleventh without thinking of one particular day, so it’s strange to consider this day a party. I was surprised when Nathalie asked me what happens each year on the eleventh of September in America. I explained that all the schools have a moment of silence and there are various memorial services held in cities and churches throughout the country and that a special memorial service is held in New York. She was surprised to hear that the whole country recognizes and respects this day. She then asked me where I was and what I was doing that day.

I don’t think anyone can forget. I was in sixth grade and I remember all the teachers being worried and sad and distracted for most of the day. None of us had any idea what was going on until we got home. At that age, I don’t think I really understood what was going on. All I know is, it kept being shown on the news over and over again and this somehow compromised my safety. I had the privilege of hearing Nathalie’s reaction to the attack. She said her neighbor rushed over in the afternoon to tell her. Nathalie’s television wasn’t working that day, but she said the next day she watched it on the news with shock and dismay. She couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t understand why they kept showing the towers going down over and over again. A question I feel everyone asked. Why must we watch this horror twenty times an hour?

I mention 9/11 because Nathalie can remember being angry that something very sad happened in the United States, but all the younger kids out of high school continued their parties. This is something I can understand a little. At this age, it’s easier to care about myself than many other things. If I were them, I would want to party like every other graduate before me. And even though she didn’t say it, Nathalie was obviously disappointed in this choice.

Even though the commencement of classes and 9/11 are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum, it sparked a conversation I will probably never forget. It’s hard to imagine the connection we have with other countries until we actually come here and talk. I am comforted by the fact that someone like Nathalie watches for news of us and cares about it. There needs to be more Nathalies in the world who care for everyone no matter who they are. It’s a pretty big world we live in; it’s nice to know we all have friends. I’m going to risk sounding cliché by saying: the world would be a much better place. And right now, we need it.