https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xOA7dKSThWY Hey! Welcome to my fourth entry at MC Voices, today I will be showing…
As we get older, we are taught to stay alert and do not trust a random stranger. Well, it seems like those lessons have been engraved in our brains for very good reasons. As you may already or hopefully know, we had an incident at the Takoma Park campus last Wednesday. We had the unfortunate event of having an armed student in the ST building early that morning. This is a delicate, yet serious topic because as a community we must always feel safe; especially in an academic setting. Thankfully no one was hurt and the school authorities were able to identify the student who caused the incident.
This incident truly put me in “alert mode.” I was walking towards the building when this started so I was really touched by the orders the police officers were giving me and the rest of the students. While I stood across the street, I began to think of the many ways I personally stay alert. So, I think I will share them with you.
- Lock it: Whether you are just sitting in your car passing time or checking your phone, take a second to make sure your doors are locked and your windows are closed. It only takes a second!
- Use your precious eyes: Look around wherever you are! Even if you’re walking with a group of friends or among other students, notice who’s around you; it doesn’t hurt to look around, right?
Pretty right…? If yes, then used them! And if not, use them anyways! lol - Know who to call: Make sure to know who to call besides 911 of course, whether it’s a family member or a friend or your boss. Have those numbers handy and ready to dial!
- Stay Calm: Remember to stay calm, or at least try to. We all react differently under stress, conflict, etc., but keep in mind that we all think more straight if we stay calm and at ease. You also don’t want to make the people around you to feel more of what they’re already feeling! Just keep that in mind:)
Well Raptors, I hope these recommendations for staying alert help you out whether you are at school or just anywhere outside your house. Remember that it only takes a couple of seconds to double check what and who is around you, so go ahead and stay alert!
Thank you for staying,
Meredith
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Great post Meredith! It is always good to have your bearings and notice what is around you. I believe in going by your gut as well. Once in a grocery store, I foolishly left my purse in the cart in the part kids sit in, and as I turned my back to get a vegetable, I had a bad feeling. I turned around to see a man quickly pull his arm in and away from my cart. I am certain he was about to snatch my purse. Never leave purses on the back of chairs, car doors unlocked, etc. Unlike how I grew up, these are different times! Thanks for the tips and glad you’re safe!
This is another great post about being alert towards your surroundings. Great post! I have noticed that many students are not aware of their surroundings such as loud headphones in their ears. Being alert whether you’re sitting in the car or walking to class. Keep it up girl!