I didn't move to Vermont because of 9/11 but 9/11 changed what I wanted my life to be, leading me here eventually.
9/11 was the day before my 21st birthday. I was at the Hartt School of Music, studying Musical Theatre. I had always planned to go to New York and work to be an actress. While in school, I would go by train to the city and audition. After 9/11, I never felt comfortable in the city again. Not so much fear as...there was a crush of people, so many people. I felt trapped when I was there. I stopped going as much, and started to think about different career options. I entered into a great career in arts administration, in regional theatres, working for ten years in Boston. I've never looked forward to my birthday again. Last year, during the pandemic, I celebrated another milestone birthday...40. We had a few friends over for a socially distanced gathering in the backyard. We made the best of it. I didn't move to Vermont because of 9/11 but 9/11 changed what I wanted my life to be, leading me here eventually. I wonder if there was a population boom in Vermont after 9/11 like we are seeing now with the pandemic. I wonder how events happening now are changing what people want their lives to be and how will that shape our state now and in the future.
Robin Allen LaPlante
