Never Forget

Today, we solemnly remember the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11, 2001. This day, etched in Americans collective memory and the memory of many of our closest allies, reminds us of the resilience, unity, and unconquerable spirit of America. We honor the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us, the first responders who rushed into danger, and all those whose health and lives were forever changed.

Some lives were changed in unexpected ways. I was a young 19 year old college student at Rutgers University in New Jersey at the time. That particular morning ignited a fervent desire among numerous young Americans to dedicate themselves to serving our country. I became eager to deepen my understanding of Al-Qaeda and other potential threats to the United States, leading me to shift my academic focus towards international relations, a decision that ultimately influenced the trajectory of my entire career and life.

Unfortunately, I was never able to serve in the United States military full-time. Nevertheless, my desire to serve my country has remained unwavering. Today, I aspire to channel this passion, along with the knowledge and skills I have developed since that tragic September morning, to represent you in the Texas House of Representatives.

We must never forget, and let this remembrance inspire us to uphold the values of freedom, courage, and compassion that define us.