Easy access

PAUL NASELLA PJN722@CABRINI EDU STAFF WRITER

I have been a student at Cabrini College for the better part of a year-and-a-half now. In that time, I have heard stories about people having things stolen from their rooms and vandalism taking place. It wasn't until recently that I have truly found out as to why this is possible. You see, I am a commuter student who is currently going out with a girl that lives in New Residence Hall. Since I've been going out with her, I have been able to slip into New Res without any problems in less then five minutes each time. There have been times where it has taken me less than a minute to get into the building.

After bearing witness to such easy access, I have become concerned with the security of New Res. I have become concerned because if a commuter student can slip right in, unnoticed, in less than f ive minutes, then that means that anyone can slip in practically undetected. This bothers me because I worry about my girlfriend as well as the rest of the residents' safety. This to me is a major concern because if anyone can get into the building, then anything can happen, such as stolen property and vandalism.

As to what should be done about the problem, I'm not quite sure. However, I do feel that something should be done. There should be no reason as to why anyone can get into New Res so easily. I feel that if anything should be done, there should be an RA or a public safety off icer at each door around the clock. By doing so, they would be able to keep tabs on who comes in and who doesn't.

Not only that, but the person at the door can ask people for their ID as well as their status as either a resident or commuter. If the person being asked happens to be a commuter, they shouldn't be let into the building without good reason and/or another person being able to vouch for them. This goes the same for anyone who is not affiliated with the college. I understand that this isn't the nicest or most fair way of going about it, but keeping a large number of people safe isn't an easy task as well. Anyway, by doing so the building and its' residents would be a lot safer than they were before.

SHARON M. KOLANKIEWICZ ASST. COPYAND PERSPECTIVES EDITOR SMK724@CABRINI EDU

This past year I am learning the value of life. In the beginning of the year, I lost an aunt whom was very dear to me. Months after her death, the terrible tsunami hit the southern regions of Asia. Obviously, the bulk of the population was affected. In addition to me recovering from the death of my aunt, this disaster even hit harder for me. I could not believe how much life was lost.

Death is something many people fear. Granted, it is not easy to deal with death, but some people deal with it better than others. For me, it is extremely hard. Many of my family members have died in abrupt ways. As for the tsunami, it was horrific every time the death tolls would rise. These events have gotten me to realize how valuable life is and the people in it. I have a new appreciation for the people in my life. Anything could happen each and every day. So, I make it known to each of my friends and family how much they mean to me. Even if it is a simple “hello” or smile, let your loved ones know how much they mean. Believe me, a smile goes a long way and can make someone's day.

It is especially hard when a loved one passes away and you never got to say “goodbye.” However, why would you say it because you didn't know it was the last time you would see him or her? On a lighter note, I have learned that goodbyes aren't forever. I believe as long as we keep the fond memories in hearts, our loved ones never go away. I appreciate every one of my friends and f amily each and every day.