Most of us have heard about the horrible attack on campus at Ohio State University on November 28th. It was something that shook the nation, as any attack on a college campus or any attack, in general, would. It's an unnerving feeling when you hear that lives have been put on the line or taken by someone that is a peer, especially when you're a college student yourself.

As a student at West Virginia University, I feel as if my school does everything possible to ensure the safety of its students, but on the other hand, I feel as if every student would like to think that about the school they attend. Nobody at OSU knew what would happen or did anything to instigate the situation (as far as I am aware), so who is to say something as what has happened there couldn't happen here?

As a Forensics and Investigative Sciences major, I sit in on multiple lecture classes which usually hold up to 230 students per class. As the worrier that I am, sometimes I think to myself of all of the things that I have learned when being educated on violence on campus, and how bigger groups are usually a common target. I also sit in the Mountain Lair and have common thoughts, which if you don't know is a building in the middle of downtown which holds multiple restaurants and an area for dining, studying, socials, etc.

Before I became a college student, I heard of attacks on campuses and of course felt remorse for those involved but I never really connected to the feeling. Moving away for school was a big step for me, moving in with people I had never met before, leaving my hometown, not having my family within driving distance. It was a big adjustment. My sense of awareness and safety has heightened tremendously since my move and that is one thing I am thankful for.

My prayers and condolences go out to the students and families of OSU.