Four students at the University of Idaho were murdered in their off-campus home on November 13, 2022. After two months of having no suspects, area police detained 28-year-old Bryan Kohburger.

In light of this recent tragedy, some John Carroll seniors are experiencing mixed feelings about going to college next year.

Senior Emily Breighner said she is not feeling worried about going away because “my college town is pretty safe and in a good neighborhood.”

Other seniors, like Charlene Braddy, plan to be more cautious when going to college. “I do get nervous about going to college and living in a new area that I am not familiar with,” she said.
She added, “Having small, handy things that could help protect myself like pepper spray or a taser makes me feel better about being at college alone, but I can’t carry those things everywhere.”

Charlene’s biggest worry is dorming with people she’s never met. “I am most worried about staying in a dorm with people I am unfamiliar with, especially after hearing about the Idaho murders. I think finding roommates that are similar to myself and meeting them and becoming friends before college will help me feel safer.”

Dean of Students Christina Presberry advises that John Carroll seniors be very careful and follow the buddy system next year when they are in college.
“It is very important to be alert,” she explained.

Mrs. Presberry advised students to have body alarms on their keychains and to always let someone know their location. She also recommended that “students living on or off campus should ask for a security survey.” In doing this, students will be made aware of any unsafe discrepancies in their living spaces.

Mandy Schall said she is “definitely more nervous about going to college after hearing about the Idaho murders.”

She commented, “One thing I will be looking further into when deciding on what college to go to is the security at the college and safety. I already try to stay very aware of my surroundings and my safety, and I will continue this in college.”