Terrorism at home teaches many
lessons abroad (cont'd)
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Steiner says being an American made him the unwilling spokesman for
all Americans to a nation 12,000 miles from United States.
"As a U.S. citizen, you find yourself in a peculiar position,"
he says. "You just became the 'expert' of what all Americans are
feeling. Suddenly you realize the profound impact your words and demeanor
have when you talk to people around you, and the tremendous responsibility
you feel for representing the people of your country in a positive,
honest way."
Steiner knows that no matter where he may be on the globe, the healing
process will take time.
"While you might feel like you're missing out on the healing process
taking place in your country, you try to take heart that your experience
from a distant, objective perspective may prove valuable to yourself
and others somewhere down the road," he says.
A week after the attacks, the study abroad coordinators at the University
of Cape Town, (enrollment 18,000) invited the American students to a
counseling session with two university psychologists.
"This activity was a brilliant move on the part of the study abroad
staff. To talk openly with fellow citizens, people who understood where
you were coming from and what the impact meant to you, proved to be
a turning point for many of our students' experiences, including my
own."
Steiner still has feelings of depression and loneliness, but he does
not let them control him.
"I feel I am coping well as time goes by, but sometimes the feelings
come flowing back and I just want to sit and cry but I know that's not
what I'm here to do," he says.
"There is much work to be done one friendship at a time. I strongly
believe students engaging in international study abroad neighbors inviting
neighbors to dinner, and networks of old and new friends staying connected
are crucial activities we can all do to bridge the widening gaps of
ostracism that lead to terrorism."
