Events like those can make a person decide what to do in life. I wouldn't be surprised if some of your classmates become pilots, who would later attribute their career choice on that event.
I had a similar event happen to me. But it was for the West Los Angeles College Fire Academy. Fire 3, a Bell 412 helo landed near us on the field, and at that moment, I received my badge for Cadet Captain. If I were still in LA, I would probably be in the LAFD right now, and working on a helicopter license (though I may get it later on).
Oh, how things can change...
