Whether it’s sudden winter weather or the recent series of shootings, this past week has had no shortage of unexpected dangers for students, especially commuters, to deal with.
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, a snowstorm had Weakley County, as well as some of the surrounding counties, calling off school. While it was a break for those younger students, no such break could be found for UTM attendees with classes merely starting two hours later than usual on Tuesday.
This seems to be the usual pattern for UTM and colleges in general. Weather that would have called off elementary and high schools never seems to have the same impact on colleges, which stubbornly remain open. While this is understandable, given the shorter semesters and less time college students actually have in class, this reluctance to call off for inclement weather particularly affects our commuters who oftentimes live in remote areas of Northwest Tennessee and have to commute early in the morning over slippery backroads.
While The Pacer can’t change UTM’s weather policy, we can encourage students to always put their own safety above going to class. If you are genuinely concerned about the state of the roads, don’t drive on them. Nobody should be risking life and limb over one missed class.
At the end of the day, your professors will understand.
The same could apply for the recent spike in violent crime that occurred in Martin during the weekend. Martin is, by and large, a safe town and we caution against unnecessary fear and panic. At the same time, we at The Pacer recommend not putting yourself in dangerous situations.
If you walk at night, walk with a friend, or, if that’s not possible, make sure to take well-lit paths. Be sure to lock your cars and lock your doors. Also remember that those apartment doors have peek-holes for a reason.
Most of all, remember to stay safe and look out for one another as yet another fall semester comes to a close here at UTM.
