100 Stories Project

As the Video Production Specialist at Bismarck State College, I was assigned a project for our upcoming symposium that we are hosting on our campus. September 11: Ten Years Later - The Impact on the Heartland. The project is called the 100 Stories Project.

September 11 of this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the horrible terrorist attacks on our country. The purpose of the 100 Stories Project is to collect 100 stories on video about how these acts of terror impacted the lives of people in the Heartland. Where were they when they heard about the attacks? How did it impact their life?

When I first started this project I never thought about or realized how much this project would impact me. I remember where I was when I heard about the attacks, as does everyone I have asked. Its one of those things you will never forget.

I have recorded 94 stories so far and have heard some real interesting stories. I have talked to parents who were concerned about their children who were living in New York. I talked to people who were out of the country and had hard times getting back in. I talked to one gentleman who ended up losing his brother in the War on Terrorism. I also interviewed the mother of the only North Dakotan lost in the attacks. I have seen many people tear up when talking about these horrific events.

I don't think I will ever think about 9-11 the same. After completion of the project it will be archived on our website, on our iTunes U site, it will be broadcast on our local community tv station, and may even end up on YouTube.

I am truly grateful to be part of this project and look forward sharing it with future generations, so they can understand the impact it had on our nation and to the people on the heartland.