The Oberlin Review \\ Perspectives

How did the assault at Fairchild make you feel about your safety at Oberlin?

Open door

Emily Osterweil is a college senior.

It makes me feel more wary, but not less safe.

Beth Kontrabecki is a college junior.

I feel the same since there is always at least one attack a year. I'm living in ignorance because I still feel like Oberlin has no crime. In comparison to other major universities, Oberlin is still very safe.

Eben Lieberman is a college sophomore.

The underlying causes of this incident supersede the crux of the real problem, while the implications of danger do resonate. It is heartwarming to see the school's quick reaction.

Elihu Miles is a college senior.

A lot of people are really shocked, in terms of this - you come to Oberlin, it's a small town. You feel safe. Then something like this happens.

As an RC, I'm supposed to provide comfort, but I'm concerned about what happened, too.

It's a reflection of our society - plagued with madness.

We need to be aware that just 'cause we're in a small town, that doesn't mean we can't be touched by violence and problems, just like the rest of the world.

Pauline Mariki is a college senior.

My housemate got a note about the assault. One of us forgot to close the door- she said, "Oh my God, close the door - didn't you hear what happened?" We're just more cautious about things like that now.

One problem is that everyone at Oberlin thinks they're so safe- we let down our guards.

Jessica Parsons is a college sophomore.

It was absolutely terrifying and shook up my sense of safety. Oberlin is filled with people who take their safety for granted and act irresponsibly and don't take responsibility for their safety.

Maita Lonial is a college first-year.

I find it very disturbing in my first week here. I'm from New York and I wouldn't expect something like this in Ohio. I just try to be more cautious about locking my door and acting safe.

Erin Koewing is a college first year.

I thought I would be going to school in the middle of a cornfield and I wouldn't expect something like this to occur.

Mathias Wegner is a college senior.

If Obies weren't so fucking stupid stuff like this wouldn't happen. I still saw doors propped open at three in the morning the following night.

Pete Cairns is a college first-year.

I'm not very surprised. I grew up around Haverford College and this kind of thing happened all the time.

Tom Francavilla is a college sophomore.

Before I came to Oberlin, I lived in a pretty bad neighborhood, so I didn't go out after dark too much. Last year, when I came here I was really paranoid, but I'd take walks at 2 or 3 a.m., but I was always aware. This just makes me act more like I do at home than how I used to here.

Mike MacInnis is a college senior.

It doesn't make me feel any more threatened.

Angela Howard is a double- degree sophomore.

I still feel safe, but I'm now more cautious about going out by myself. I take the shuttle.

Nick Dent is a college sophomore.

I don't think I'll modify my behavior, but it has made me more aware of my safety in general. Also, it's made me sort of angry. I'm more worried about the safety of my friends than anything else.

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