by The Cowl Editor on February 7, 2019
Editor's Column
As a future educator and current student teacher, I have learned the importance of teaching students skills that go beyond the classroom so that they can apply those skills to various situational moments in life.
Until the bell rings for first period, teachers are permitted to enter the school with their key cards, as students wait in the cafeteria. However, on this particular day, rather than entering as I normally do, I was directed to a line where my bag was checked, and I was patted down.
I thought this was odd, but I kept a peaceful mind as I approached the officer who would check my bag. I looked around at the students, who were also being checked. I could see fear in their faces, but a majority of their faces expressed confusion.
I found out that there had been a gun threat the previous night posted on Facebook, and although the gun threat was not in proximity to the school, an uneasiness filled the abnormally quiet hallways of the school.
My first period class contained approximately 10 kids out of 20. My typically noisy and ingenuous freshmen were now silent and cognizant of what was occurring. I had several students ask me panickedly why there are not gun control laws implemented, or why they are in school if there is something wrong in the school. I was obligated to come up with answers that explained the truth while keeping them safe and at peace with the situation.
We tend to forget those who have kept us safe and calm during times of distress or confusion. We often look to others for answers and advice but neglect to recognize those who provide us with that guidance and security.
As students of Providence College, we are embarking upon the last semester of the 2018-19 academic year, and it is time to give our thanks for those educators who have kept us safe and those who have offered answers to our difficult questions.
Whatever the situation may be, educators have always been a positive force, pushing us beyond our limits and teaching us skills we can carry with us beyond graduation.