COLLEGE PARK, Md. (U-WIRE) — For the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, University of Maryland students have been forced to bridge a unique gap between the isolated university community and the outside world. Area residents remain on heightened alert as a sniper continues to attack people in the Washington area. The sniper has already killed nine victims and injured two others in the past two weeks, continuing to instill fear in many.
Last year, in addition to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the university community was rocked by the September deaths of students Alexander Klochkoff and Colleen and Erin Marlatt from drug intoxication and tornadoes, respectively.
With yet another series of tragedies occurring close to home, some students are fearful of the sniper, while others take comfort in what they consider to be the security of their environment.
Jonathan Kandell, assistant director of the university Counseling Center, said students’ differing reactions result from their relatively recent experiences with traumatic events.
“People on campus seem to be experiencing less stress related to this event, especially in light of events like 9/11 and the tornadoes (on the campus) last year,” Kandell said.
Appointments at the Counseling Center have not increased as a result of the shootings, but the issue sometimes arises in discussions, he said.
For many, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had little effect on daily routines. The sniper attacks have the opposite effect, as many College Park residents are now more cautious when performing everyday tasks.
“When I cross Route 1, I make sure to cross with a pack of girls from my (sorority) house,” said sophomore American studies major Lauren Angelo. “I feel like it’s more of a deterrent (to any shooters).” Angelo also said she parked closer to the Target store’s entrance in Greenbelt on a recent visit.
Some students said they feel the events of the last year, particularly those near the university, numbed them to tragedy.
“I can’t really say that (coping with the shootings is) easier. Tragedy is tragedy,” sophomore communication major Daniel Lee said. “Nine-eleven was a tragedy like we’d never seen before, so yeah, I feel a little bit desensitized.”
Similarly, many students said the impact of the shootings has been dulled by the onslaught of media coverage. The relentless coverage following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has been paralleled on a smaller scale by the sniper coverage, and many students are calling it excessive.
“It’s definitely something we need to know about,” said Ryan Fisher, a freshman mechanical engineering major. “But we don’t need to be constantly reminded. They don’t need to interrupt the NLCS game five times to give us the latest updates.”