Elizabeth Giles, Physics Teacher

Physics teacher Elizabeth Giles was teaching an AP Physics class when she heard the news of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Her students reacted with varied emotions. While some of the students were trying to find out more about what was going on, others were more focused on their physics lesson, trying to prepare for a test that they had coming up.

While she knew immediately that this was a tragedy that she would never forget, in the moment she was unsure as to how to react. Not knowing who was behind the attack caused much more fear.

“I can say that even though I was the adult in the room, I didn’t know what the full story was either,” she said.

Giles had a good friend in New York City whose husband worked in business. Rather than trying to contact the friend, she thought it would be easier to reach her extended family in Pittsburgh.

“I left a message just so they knew I was worried. I heard from that friend that her husband did not work in the twin towers,” Giles said.