Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 September 14, 2001 f

Bowdoin unites in crisis

Though it has only been a matter of days since a terrorist attack devastated our nation, there are no words left to accurately describe the feelings, emotions, and apprehensions of every American citizen. Words fall short of describing anything tied to this week's disaster.

The stories that have come closest to encapsulating the American spirit are the stories of our remarkable resiliency. The Bowdoin community has been no exception to perpetuating the strong attitude we all must adopt.

Before some students had heard of the tragedy, the Administration was hard at work scheduling and planning so that working through this tough time might be made a little easier. As AV services set up televisions across campus to keep the apprehensive student body informed, President Mills was alongside Facilities, setting up folding chairs for anxious students.

The full campus forum in Morrell Gymnasium united the entire community in a time of instability. When the floor was opened up to comment, our minds were opened and we were informed of ways to help our own community, as well as the larger cause.

Other measures, such as keeping Thorne Dining Hall open all night, offering extended counseling services, and writing thoughtful letters to the community, further comforted unsettled students.

It is no surprise that during a time of terror and crisis, one would want to be with family and friends. Whether you're from New York City or Washington D.C., Seattle or Dallas, it's safe to say that we all checked in with our families at some point following Tuesday's events. And though most of us could not spend this time with our immediate families, we were comforted by our extended family of the Bowdoin community. The week would have been a bit more rough had the Administration not taken so many considerations in assuring our well-being.

-DJM