UCA Shooting Hits Home: Know College Safety Precautions
Posted: Monday, October 27, 2008
by Laura Trahan
Every once in a while there is a news story that makes your heart sink into your stomach when you see the headline. Today was one of those days for me. The headline read that an overnight shooting at a central Arkansas college killed two and wounded one.
As a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, fear immediately rushed through my body. My husband and I just last night sat down and caught up on the latest news in the Alumni magazine from the college we fell in love with as students. My husband spent several minutes talking to an old college friend on Facebook so to see the college we love in the news was heartbreaking.
"One victim died on the sidewalk along a narrow alley between the dormitory and a fine arts center. Police said the two other victims rushed into the dorm, where paramedics found them."
I can't tell you how many times, I walked that campus late at night. Rob and I used to meet in the middle of the night right in the center of campus in the courtyard. It was halfway from his dorm to my dorm. I think back and wonder if we were insane.
Caught up in love, the thought of being hurt or harmed never crossed our mind. It is bizarre to think even now that any one could be in danger on that campus.
The campus is a close-knit community. It is a bigger school then most colleges, but the atmosphere fosters life-long relationships and friendships.
I think it is important for a campus to feel safe since it is the first time many are away from home or parents. At the same time, I think young adults feel invincible when they arrive at college.
The two components mixed together can be a deadly combination for easily targeted victims on a college campus.
The good news is that the university had installed an emergency system to notify students and faculty after the Virginia Tech shooting. Students were immediately notified to stay indoors and classes were canceled today.
I can't help to think how college students need to go the extra mile to take safety precautions. It is so easy when you are comfortable to forget.
Here are a few reminders to keep in mind when walking on campus. No, they most likely would not have caused this event from happening, but it could save your life the next time.
Always travel with friends in the well-lighted areas. We all hear this at orientation, but how many of us did it? There is a reason they don't want you in those alley way shortcuts from dorm room to dorm room. Also, you are an easier target when you are walking by yourself.
Report suspicious behavior. We all know when there is a new or different vehicle or person on campus. Anything out of the usual should be reported to the police immediately.
Be careful when drinking. If you are going to drink or attend a party, make sure you have a sober friend to look out for your best interest. Be careful walking the campus while drunk. Get into a dorm room and stay.
Use the police to stay safe. The campus police are great people and can be lifesavers. If you have to walk at night and feel uncomfortable, give them a call. They are there to help you and will escort you where you need to go. Also, use the campus phones in the parking lots if you get nervous.
Make sure you lock up. I know all living in a dorm breaks down your normal guards. Be sure to lock your doors. You never know when someone could get in. Don't prop the back doors open either. We use to do that in order to get in without our keys. Not smart at all.
Take some classes. When I was at UCA, the police offered self-defense classes. Check with the department and see if there are any classes like that offered.
The thing is, now you are adults and with our environment today, you have to take precautions. Take the time to get to know your professors and make some life long friends. Just be sure and be safe. Protect yourself.
My heart and prayers go out to the Bears lost and their families. God be with you during this time. I am sure the upcoming weeks will be hard as investigations continue and motives are found. My condolences on the lost.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Last week a SUNY-Albany student was shot and killed while walking back to his off-campus apartment at 11:00pm. No reason, just a pot-shot for fun. Horrible to know there are guns in the hands of people so disconnected from society.Gregory-I had not heard about that! Very disturbing and sad! Thanks for sharing the news!-Laura
hi laura,this story is unfortunately what i have been using as a rationalization of my son joining the air force. i'm so afraid of something happening to him, and yet, if he went to some of these colleges, it appears he would be in worse danger. at least in the air force he would be armed. his friend was held up at gunpoint last week outside their apartment, for 20 dollars. again, he could have been killed right there.it is a sad state of affairs when human life is not kept sacred. and the worst of it is, we really only hear about a small perscentage of what goes on.did you hear that someone put a homemade bomb on my son's bus last year, but it didn't detonate?see? we don't know the half of it, just what makes it to the news.you send your child to college so they don't go to war and be in harm's way, and they are killed. very, very sad.thanks for sharing,my best to you,sue
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