Bloodhound Community Unites to Honor 9/11 Fallen Heroes
Throughout the month of September, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders came together to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001, including 67 John Jay community members. “These fallen heroes were just like us. They had families, friends, and dreams they wanted to fulfill,” said President Karol V. Mason at the 9/11 tribute ceremony. “Now, it’s our turn to pick up the mantle they can no longer carry.”
In honor of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, John Jay volunteers participated in a blood drive, in partnership with New York Blood Center, and a hospitality bag packing project for victims of domestic and intimate partner violence, in partnership with Safe Horizon. “In total, 94 pints of blood were donated—which is enough to save 282 lives—and nearly 500 wellness kits were packed,” says Mindy Bockstein, Executive Director of the Office of External Affairs. “These events, which were made possible through funding from AmeriCorps and 9/11 Day, represented a cross-campus effort that brought together our entire community.” Here, students share their thoughts on the experience.
Sophia Mancusi ’27
Major: Public Administration
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Career Aspiration: Public Policy Lead
I have a huge fear of needles, but I wanted to do some good in the world. Knowing I was helping someone gave me the courage to do something scary. I personally wasn’t alive for 9/11, but we need to remember how many people were harmed by this attack. There are so many people who should be here today with their families, but they’re not. Everybody who was on American soil that day was attacked—not just New York City. My grandfather’s birthday was on September 11th and he passed away hating his birthday. If I can do one thing to make his birthday a little better—like saving another person’s life with my blood—I will. Happy birthday, Pop Pop. I love and miss you.
Ocean Cabrera ’29
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Queens, NY
Cohort Programs: MBK Connect, MBK-ACE
Career Aspiration: President of the United States
I felt so strongly about participating in the pack-a-thon because if I were a victim of domestic violence or lost someone on September 11th, I would hope that someone would do the same thing for me. The John Jay community has given to me tenfold, and I was honored to give back in any way that I could. During the pack-a-thon, I was surprised by how many people were there. We finished the job of packing 500 kits in record time, which made me really proud and happy to be part of this community. September 11th was a tragic wake-up call. That day, we lost police officers, firefighters, and many proud New Yorkers, but as a city, we stood strong and united. Now, to honor those lost, we have to treat everyone with the same respect and kindness that we hope to be given, and we have to work harder to create a better tomorrow.
Doris Ku ’28
Majors: Forensic Psychology
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Forensic Psychologist
Although I was not even born yet during the 9/11 attack, I grew up in New York City. Every year, during the anniversary, the schools would give us a dedicated lesson on the attack. That’s why I understand the horrors and feel strongly that the world should never forget what happened. The many heroes that lost their lives during this attack should be honored forever. As John Jay students, we walk past a piece of the towers every single day to get to classes. That piece of the towers is there to remind us about the first responders and members of the John Jay community who lost their lives in service. That’s why I wanted to donate blood at the blood drive, to honor their memories. As a community we all helped each other at the event. I was a bundle of nerves, but a nice man calmed me down with some jokes to help relax me. I was really glad I participated.
Riya Lakhanpal ’28
Majors: Criminology, Forensic Psychology
Hometown: Queens, NY
Cohort Program: APPLE Corps
Career Aspiration: FBI Agent
I wanted to volunteer at the pack-a-thon because it meant more than just remembering a tragic day. It meant turning remembrance into action and doing something that could help people who are still fighting for their lives in different ways. The focus on domestic violence victims really struck me. These are people who often walk around carrying pain that no one can see. They are forced to rebuild from nothing after surviving something that broke them. Packing essentials might seem like a small act, but to someone escaping violence, those basics can mean everything. A toothbrush, a blanket, a bottle of shampoo, things most of us don’t even think twice about suddenly become symbols of dignity, safety, and hope. On a day like 9/11, when so many people think about loss and pain, I felt proud to be part of something that gave back, something that honored resilience and survival in the present.
