by Crystal Apilado
Features Editor
College life is full of enough stress as it is, and with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and the more recent bombings in Afghanistan, there is more anxiety and stress added to the daily load.
A larger burden may be felt by those whose lives include participation in the military.
Some students who are on-campus reserves for different branches of the military have been put on notice the they may be called to combat.
ULV reserve officers’ feelings about the situation vary.
Mario Guerrero, a senior, is in the Marines Reserve program. When asked if he’s been called by his branch, Guerrero was told to be “on call and ready” to head out just in case.
“It is sad to realize the value some people place on life,” Guerrero said regarding the terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
In general, Guerrero’s reaction seemed patient and solemn.
He said, however, that he hopes that the situation never reaches the point of having to send out all of our troops.
Guerrero said that he was anxious after that first call, and felt the effect of the attack. But now he is trying to force himself to concentrate and go on with his life on campus.
“Education is important. I want to finish my education,” Guerrero said.
Since Guerrero joined the Marines he has actively served on weekends.
He hopes to finish up his studies at ULV and will try not to worry about the possibility of being called to combat until he needs to.
“I am glad that we did not react without thinking things through like we’re doing. I understand that it is a slow process and that people want to feel safe again,” Guerrero said.
Guy Baxtrum, a senior, is in the Army Reserves. He said he has not been too anxious so far.
Although his unit has called him, the message was that his unit would likely not be called to combat too soon.
“I wasn’t worried,” he said.
Baxstrum said he feels that war against Afghanistan is not the answer. Baxstrum sees the the answer.
He said he sees the terrorist attacks as perpetrated by a few from Afghanistan, not the entire nation.
Since this week’s bombings of Afghanistan began, he has not been called up or updated by his unit, Baxstrum said.
Though his future, with that of the “war on terrorism” is uncertain, Baxstrum said for the time being he just wants to focus on school and getting through classes.
“I just want to graduate,” said Baxstrum. “When they call, then I’ll be worried.”
Although Guerrero and Baxstrum both seem to not be too anxious about the situation, there may be some reserves who are facing fears of being sent out.
Elena Krishtal, a counselor with the ULV Counseling Center, said that talking about their fears helps students release some of their anxiety.
“It is good for students to discuss things and how they feel about the bombings and about America getting involved,” said Krishtal.
“When glued to the television it may be distressing and it is good to take a break from it. The fear builds up on itself,” she said.
Krishtal said that students can and should seek out various support structures and outlets to help them through such a difficult time.
Religion, counseling and family contact can be helpful, she said, as a forum for discussing fear and uncertainty.
Other sources for support include on-campus discussion panels, and campus and citywide vigils, she said.
Still some students might find comfort by participating in various volunteer activities, such as donating blood.
Crystal Apilado
