I knew the day I decided to attend N.C. State I would be going to a public school. However, it never crossed my mind I would one day have issues with going to a public university. I had attended public schools all my life, so did not think N.C. State would be any different.
When freshmen orientation came and we watched the performance of “Real Life,” there was a part in which a police officer told us how we could be safe on campus. The officer gave us the Campus Police number and explained the reason for the blue lights on campus.
Like many other freshmen, at the time I was more focused on meeting people and having fun than considering the possibility of having to call Campus Police one day or being extra cautious at night.
Lately, though, the more I think about it, the more I wish our campus wasn’t so public. I do not have a problem with vendors who set up stands in the Brickyard or pass out flyers. I don’t even mind the outrageous Brickyard preachers.
Still, the mere fact that anyone capable of walking can cross Hillsborough Street or Western Boulevard without anyone questioning who he or she is blows my mind.
I am only making a big deal about this situation because I am sick and tired of receiving emails or text messages informing me of a robbery or a sexual assault on or near campus. These emails scare the living daylights out of me to the point where I do not want to go anywhere after dark.
Apparently, our campus is not safe enough for us once the sun goes down.
I understand very clearly that Campus Police cannot be everywhere at all times, and I also understand that crimes will happen on any college campus.
However, I find it a bit ridiculous that we have to be cautious of strangers lurking on the campus.
How are we to distinguish between a student and a stranger when they are roaming around on our campus? As N.C. State students vary in ages and don’t always walk around campus with a book bag, it makes the process of reporting someone who “looks suspicious” more difficult.
If I could suggest one issue to resolve, it would be to prevent the large number of robberies on this campus by individuals who do not attend N.C. State or work for the University.
A good solution would be surrounding the University with an extremely secure fence, as though N.C. State were a private university, but without the higher tuition cost.
Now my idea might seem a bit extreme and over the top, and in some ways I guess it is. It would cost lots of money; our campus is extremely wide and is not in a central location.
However, I still feel like something needs to be done, because we will not always be able to walk with a friend to and from our classes without worrying at night-as college students are apt to do.
This is our campus. We should feel as safe and as comfortable as we were promised when we first arrived. I personally get tired of carrying around mace or constantly having to look over my shoulder.
