July 6, 2013 was a day I was looking forward to for a while, as I was finally going to meet my cousins of whom I had previously only seen in pictures and 1024x768 computer screens. As the plane we were travelling in was in final moments of descent, I remember bubbling with excitement, looking for different landmarks to visit on a California map, unaware of what was in store. Totally unprepared as I was, an abrupt jolt made the map fly out off my hand and a huge push thrust me forward as the aircraft hit the tarmac and with a loud bang.
The compartments were torn open and the baggage flew out. Most plastic and glass items around were shattered into pieces as dust and smell of jet fuel permeated the cabin. Cries of pain and fear resonated but were subdued in the deafening noise of the plane skidding on the runway. Grabbing tightly on to my mother's hand, I closed my eyes and waited for what I thought would be my end. However, the screeching lessened and finally stopped. “Ashintya, open your eyes,” my mother yelled. I was in disbelief. Shock. I didn’t know what had just happened, but I soon recovered to my senses.
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Upon contemplating, I realized a number of facts. First of all, the accident also taught me that people behave very differently in distress. While most of the people were running for their lives, some stood back and helped the people in need, putting their own lives in danger for someone else's. This was a real eye opener for me, as I had expected everyone to help each other in such a tragedy, but I realized that not all people were as benevolent as I had previously thought. I came to terms with the fact that in the future not all people will be there for me in times of need. There will likely be people who will abandon me or not help me in times of need; therefore, I learned that I needed to build relationships with people who are loyal, and who will not desert me during