By Staff
It seems our nation's colleges and universities have heard the wake-up call and are working towards seeking ways to better protect our most precious resources – our children. Legislators have been working toward seeking funding.
Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph unveiled his bipartisan legislation to make sure all schools have funds to create their emergency notification services through mobile text messages, e-mail and other ways.
Should a shooter or other incident, which puts students at harm on a campus occur, the administration would be able to quickly contact the student body of the danger.
The tragedy at Virginia Tech University one year ago put the actuality of these incidents once again in our faces, as the television clips were shown over and over.
Alone with emergency notification systems, I have heard that some universities are also implementing programs to teach the administration, teachers and other staff to become alert to danger signs.
One school even realized that cleaning staff, cooks and everyone else the students come in contact with, are also able to see these signs so they were included in the training.
Before deciding to blow away classmates and strangers, these mentally impaired individuals often exhibit signs which show their mental struggles.
As a parent, you put your children into the hands of others, as they become independent and enter college.
After living in a dorm myself for two years, I know you experience many new things.
Unfortunately it may be the first time you are confronted by someone with serious mental problems.
I had a friend in my freshman year who had come from South America. She latched on to me like a lifeboat.
I brought her home that November for an American Thanksgiving as she was without family here.
Little did I know much of that year would be taken up with her mental problems.
When she began to talk of suicide, I sought help by talking to the school's psychologist, but I don't remember receiving much help.
I do know it was a drain on me. I ended up feeling extremely guilty, like I wasn't being a good enough friend.
I look back now and realize I was only 17 years old. What pressure to be under.
Eventually the school sent her home and my life was easier, but I never forgot her and to this day feel I didn't do enough.
One of my sons had the experience of actually finding his roommate in a bloodbath of his own making, not once by twice.
He ended up dealing with the young man's parents, authorities and way more than he ever dreamed.
Thankfully he finally convinced the parents their son needed to return home and seek help. Today he is fine and they have renewed their friendship.
The more all of us can learn about helping others with mental illness, the better.
I shouldn't have years filled with guilt and my son shouldn't have to see that horrible sight of his friend bathed in blood in his mind forever.
marcia.steffens@leaderpub.com.