NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — WCBS Newsradio 880 presents a series of reports looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our series, "Rising from the Ashes," tells stories that inspire and teach; stories that honor the sacrifices of that day and how that work continues to impact the lives of others 20 years later.
Perhaps there is no better living example of the good that came from 9/11 than Jess Wisniewski, who was just 6-years-old when the World Trade Center was attacked and her father was on the 104th floor of the South Tower.
“You have this expectation of your life going one way and then in an instant, it's over,” she told WCBS 880.
It took some time for her to understand what happened, and when she did, she engrossed herself in the 9/11 community, which would become the key to her education.
“We feel that the gift of education is really what the families needed for their children after losing so much,” said Briana Quinn Roddy, the executive director of the Families of Freedom Fund.
The fund was created days after 9/11 to help cover the cost of an education for children of those who died, not just in the towers, but also on the ground who helped to find people.
Wisniewski was able to go to NYU thanks to the fund and study abroad, and after graduating, she decided to give back to the community that helped her.
“I've been involved with the 9/11 community for many years but, I got to serve a community of responders survivors, even residents of downtown who are suffering to this day,” she said.
Most recently, she helped to process Victim Compensation Fund claims for the law firm Barasch & McGarry.
“I think it's difficult for any anyone who works with that population – just the emotional toll but, at the same time it's very rewarding,” Wisniewski said. “I know for me, with that personal connection, it's additionally rewarding just to be able to help this community.”
Quinn Roddy calls Wisniewski and other fund recipients the “future leaders of the country.”
“They are patriotic, they're humble, they are deserving and they want to give back,” Quinn Roddy said.
Wisniewski is now in law school and hopes to one day practice environmental law and keep working with 9/11 families who were at Ground Zero.
She now calls the fund, which has given out nearly $180 million to more than 4,000 students, “invaluable.”