Last semester was a tumultuous time for all of us. It would be understandable if you found it difficult to concentrate on your studies during this time. Polls conducted after the attacks found that Americans suffered lingering effects of September 11, such as trouble sleeping, nightmares, depression, and increased anxiety. Though a college campus may seem removed from the “real world,” students are not immune to these effects.

Most of you belong to a generation that has experienced only peace and a historic level of prosperity, so this seemingly sudden descent into war and economic downturn is perhaps a bigger blow to people of college age—and a source of great uncertainty. September 11 may have been the first such catastrophe in your lifetime.

A survey of college students conducted in late October by YouthStream Media Networks, and reported in The New York Times, found that 40 percent of the respondents said the terrorist attacks had caused them to “reorder their priorities or change their core values.” Although 80 percent of the students said their attitudes about the future were positive before September 11, only 51 percent said they were positive about the future after that date.

In another poll conducted by ABC News earlier this month, 91 percent of people surveyed said the events of September 11 have changed the country in a lasting way, while 55 percent see a lasting change in their own lives. I am sure you have heard many people say that they have refocused their lives on what is really important: family, friends, meaningful work, and community.

What do all of these numbers mean? They reveal that although these events have affected us profoundly—as a nation and as individuals—much work lies ahead to bring lasting peace, security, and prosperity to the United States and to the world. I believe that the research and education at Rensselaer puts us at the forefront of attaining these goals, and you will play key roles to make this a better world.

Your job now is to study hard, to learn as much as you can, and to participate as fully as possible in campus life. I also want to encourage you to avail yourself of the myriad of opportunities for academic and social support offered at Rensselaer, from the Advising and Learning Assistance Center to the student clubs and organizations, such as the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development, to sports and recreation. Seeking help and support from others is a building block of success and a crucial step toward realizing your aspirations.