happened to us and what could happen to us in the future,” said Gonzalez. “But on the other side of the coin, I see people who have gotten closer together, made them unite and more grateful.”

Antonio Casarez, a Psychology major at Palo Alto College, agrees.

“I think a lot of people are going to unite,” said Casarez. “They are going to call family members that they have not heard from in years. Everyone is going to be closer.”

Others think that along with people uniting, there is going to be a lot more sadness this time of year than in the past.

“It is not going to be the same as past years,” said Vanessa Gonzales, an Interdisciplinary Studies major at Palo Alto College. “A lot of people are going to be sad and upset because many people not only lost their jobs, but some have lost their loved ones as well.”

With the incident of American Airlines Flight 587 fresh on everyone’s minds so soon after the terrorist attacks, some people have an increased fear of flying.

“I would think twice about getting onto an airplane,” said Andrew Casarez, a second-year student at Palo Alto College. “With the way things are going on right now, I would rather drive to where I want to go.”

Despite all the terrible incidents that have occurred recently in the airline industry, some people still have no fear when it comes to getting onto an airplane.

“I feel safer,” said Gonzales. “I have been in an airport after Sept 11, and security now is more closely monitoring the people than in the past with help from the military.”

Along with some worrying about flying, almost everyone worries about finding the right gift for that certain someone. Some are concerned about the price.

“Because I come from a humble, poor background, price is always a big part of it,” said Gonzalez. “Quality and quantity is very important. They go hand-in-hand.”

Others worry more about the quality and its sentimental value rather than price.

“The type of present that I want to get is something that I want them, the people receiving gifts, to remember me by,” said Antonio Casarez. “It is not like a shirt where you do not know who bought you it. You would remember a CD (compact disk) better than someone giving you a shirt.”

Luis Ibarra, a department manager at Sam’s Club, anticipates consumers spending money this holiday season. Ibarra does not worry about this holiday season being slow as far as sales and amount of customers inside the stores.

“In fact, it might even be better because people are going to think this is the right opportunity to think about our loved ones and maybe buy an extra gift,” said Ibarra.

Ibarra believes that consumers might even go as far as spending more money on friends and members of the family.

“Instead of buying a $49 boom box, they might buy one for $25 more,” said Ibarra. “They might even go to the next level in price.”

There is little question that there will be an increase in feelings and emotions this particular holiday season.

“As far as what happened in New York, a lot of families will not be able to spend these holidays with their father, mother, and so on,” said Andrew Casarez. “It is going to be sad for a lot of people. I think that we all need to think about life in general.”

Anthony Pierulla, a counselor at Palo Alto College, offers a warm perspective to people having trouble dealing with their feelings and emotions this holiday season.

“I would tell anyone this holiday season to be very grateful and vigilant,” said Pierulla. “Our lives have changed forever. Our children’s lives are changed forever, but we have a responsibility to prevail, protect ourselves and enjoy our blessings.” Visit the campus Counseling Department if you need help dealing with your emotions.