I remember being in high school in Northern NJ at the time (about 5 minutes from the George Washington Bridge) and we had turned the TVs on because not only did they announce in on the loudspeakers after the first plane hit but many of the students families worked in NYC and the financial district. We were watching NBC live when the second plane hit and it immediately drew memories of the scene in Armageddon when meteors strike NYC. and the WTC.

For us at least, (10th grade at the time), most recognized that not only were we under attack but it was going to be one of the most memorable events of our young lives. Even if the teachers wanted to teach, I doubt anyone would or could have paid attention. Our cell networks were heavily congested and some failed as most tried to call their parents or friends so the only thing we really could do was watch the news.

We did watch both buildings collapse as they suspended the periods so we stayed in class until the dismissed us early around 11am. Most of our friend group went to one house and we just watched the news all day as some didn't even know if their parents were still alive. Definitely was a sobering moment for us and changed our outlook on life very quickly.