Earlier this evening, one of my friends sent a quick message in a group chat: "I have to go." The words popped up and scraped away my sense of security. Because he is a Philadelphia University student, and he had just told us that "we have a threat." I didn't know if he meant that a threat had come along specifically aimed at his school, or whether this news was related to the threat that every college kid in the area was already familiar with:
I'm still not sure what happened at Philadelphia University, but I did hear from my friend that the students were evacuated. And I'm not sure about everything that will happen at 1:00 p.m. today. I have some guesses, though.
People will be scared (everywhere, not only in Philadelphia, not only in the United States).
People will be happy, too. I don't know why, but they will be (globally, not only in our city, but in lots of cities and towns and rural areas worldwide).
People will be born, and people will die. I don't know the stories that explain that stuff (I only see a very tiny part of a Philadelphia area suburb on a daily basis, after all).
But that stuff is always a certainty. So take a deep breath!
My school's Safety and Security is deeply trusted and appreciated; I believe that they have taken every necessary precaution and made every correct preparation in light of this threat. But right now, my community at Haverford College feels uncertain. Haverford College and Bryn Mawr College are very close, so the following screen shots of Yik Yak from earlier tonight contain the words of both Bryn Mawr and Haverford students:
The feeling of uncertainty makes students question authority because they wish they had control. It makes students try to solve the unknown factor—which school in the Philadelphia area should really be worried? It makes students take charge of their individual situations by staying in their dorms tomorrow and skipping class.
As "we're all in this together," we should remember the following things:
1. Our safety is someone's job.
At Haverford, we have Safety and Security professionals who are focused on protecting us 24/7. We can observe certain things about this threat; we can speculate on what would be best for us as a school, but others with more experience can pour all their energy into having the situation covered. It might be hard to trust them when you feel the stakes heightening, but give trust a try! It is much less of a headache than overthinking.
2. Our chances of surviving are about the same as the chances we had for making it through yesterday.
When you hop in a car for any old trip, you risk your life—what if a drunk driver comes your way? The trust we place in the driving of others is remarkable. And what if you ride a roller coaster? Haven't you heard of those crazy contraptions BREAKING? Because I have—these accounts are horrifying, believe me. But the thrill is worth the risk for many roller coaster aficionados. If you want to stay home from class tomorrow, enjoy your rest! Seriously. But remember that you can't remain in that state of total control for long. I know that, soon enough, you will go to class again, and there could be an electrical fire that burns down the building.
3. Consuming social media like Yik Yak may not be helping your nerves.
If you are stuck scrolling through the worries of many, your worries will chug along extra-hard in order to catch up with the extreme level of tense angst possessed by the collective many. You can spend your time better. Unless Yik Yak is providing advice, it is more for entertainment, and I don't think that making yourself upset is anyone's first idea for entertainment.
4. Be sensitive to others.
If someone feels differently than you in this time of uncertainty, please accept that person's qualm with life. You know how to best support your friends. But be safe, and use sensitivity as a guideline.
Stay aware, Philadelphia area students! You have the power to respond wisely to anything that presents itself to you in the next day, as well as in life.
