I was only in 2nd or 3rd grade when the Challenger exploded, but I will never forget the disbelief, nor the stinging tears, that clouded my mind for years after.

We watched the launch as a class, 20 curious, awestruck children. For many of us, the disaster gave us our first experience with death. It wasn't my family or a friend, but the concept that none of the astronuats would ever be coming back hit me and it hit me hard. I learned about pain and emptiness by watching the dreams of a nation shatter before my eyes. The images from that day will never leave me�