For many students, fall break serves as an opportunity to go home and relax, away from the stress of classes. This was not, however, the case for all those who returned home this past weekend.

Many students who left University Park for the weekend returned to their homes in or around the New York City and Washington, D.C., areas for the first time since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Lisa Weinstein (senior-advertising and public relations) recalls seeing the Pentagon building for the first time.

"My heart sank when we drove by. It looks bad on TV, but you cannot fully understand the mass of it. It is like nothing you have ever seen before," Weinstein said.

Students returning to New York City also shared similar experiences.

"I wanted to go see Ground Zero, but it was so disturbing. Seeing the New York City skyline without the World Trade Centers was pain enough," said David Rittberg (senior -marketing).

The constant reminder of the attacks in New York City lingers close to Ground Zero.

"Once you get close, it really starts to smell. Almost like burned rubber. It is really disturbing," Rittberg said.

Those returning to their homes in both the New York City and Washington, D.C. areas were also left with mixed feelings.

"My sister works in D.C and I wanted to go visit her. At first I was scared because I didn't want the confused memories from Sept. 11th to be brought back," Weinstein said.

Students reflected on the atmosphere of New York City since the attacks.

"Everything at home was really patriotic. There were so many American flags, but it was also depressing at the same time. I found out more people who are missing and my paper had a section attributed to obituaries and memorials for those involved in the attacks," said Julie Ferrer (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies).

Those who returned to Washington, D.C., also had similar feelings.

"No one was there. It was so dead for a Saturday and it was the main source of everyone's conversation," Weinstein said.

Since the U.S. began its retaliatory attacks, students agree the atmosphere in both cities has become more solemn.

"It was really weird. There was a different vibe than you would expect. I went to visit people who I worked with and everyone was pretty out of it," Rittberg said.

New York City responded to the events by calling in 4,500 National Guards, he added.

"You saw the National Guard in New York City especially around Penn Station," Rittberg said.

However despite all of the tragedy surrounding New York City and Washington, D.C, people are trying to continue with their normal way of life.

"Life is going on as usual. It is just harder for those who live in the city because they feel closer to it," Rittberg said.