Michelle Rosado: A Woman of Hope and Perseverance

On September 11, 2011, I had the opportunity to spend the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks listening to an actual survivor of what is now Ground Zero. In this journal I will tell not only of Michelle Rosado’s struggles, but also of her hope and perseverance to carry on and fulfill her dreams after such a tragedy.

Michelle Rosado went to work just like any other day. This particular day however was different. Michelle described of how beautiful the sky was on this day, ironic to say the least. She actually went to work early that day, and was just getting off the phone with her ex boyfriend when she heard the faint roar of an engine getting closer and closer. Then she heard the explosion. Thankfully for Michelle, she was in Tower Two. The first plane only hit tower one. This is the part that really is amazing. Michelle’s gut reaction was to run to the stairs, but as she was running towards the stairs, someone pulled her away from the stairs and into the elevator. This person was someone that Michelle worked with for 2 years and rarely ever spoke to. Michelle told us that if she had taken the stairs, she would have died that day. Michelle made it to the lobby floor and like everyone else ran for the exit door. As she made her way outside she couldn’t help but think of all her coworkers and friends who she got close to over the years. After the second tower was hit, Michelle was in disbelief. I can’t even imagine how she felt as she saw both towers fall to the ground, knowing that she could have still been in tower two. Also, I can’t imagine how she felt about all her friends and coworkers who died that day, in the same room and floor she was on.

With all this turmoil and grief, Michelle miraculously managed to find hope and perseverance through these hard times. Michelle struggled with what is known as Survivers Guilt for years. It wasn’t until years after that terrible day that she could use what happened to her to tell her story to others across the world. Michelle is not only a public speaker now, speaking of her story and empowerment, but also is an author of the popular book, “Pursuing Your Destiny”.

I am so glad I got the chance to listen to Michelle’s story of struggle and perseverance.

(Sam Bennett- journal over cultural event or lecture)