Listen up people. There are some serious things going on around our town, and not many students are aware of it.
There have been several acts of violence around the Greencastle area since school started up at the end of August. These events — which can be read about in the Banner Graphic — include a few murders and assaults, some of which were against several DePauw students.
As students, we all need to be careful and take precautionary steps. I know that the entire campus would be devastated if anything happened to any of us. So please, heed my warning.
The most important thing to remember is to not be stupid. Don't knowingly put yourself in a risky situation. For instance, if it is 3 a.m., you are walking back to your place of residence and you come across some sketchy looking people, don't take your time or make idle conversation. Get the heck out of there.
Travel in groups. If you choose to go out with 27 of your closest friends, do not leave anyone behind. Don't assume that your friend just went home or left without you. Find them and make sure you all stay together. After all, we all know what happens when we assume ...
Always be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to check if someone is following you — it happens more than you think — and if that happens, be conscious of how close they are and their appearance. If they get too close, go to the nearest DePauw residency and get help.
Don't talk on your cell phone. This goes right along with being aware of your surroundings. Cell phones distract us from what is going on around us. While "safety calls" might seem like a good idea in uneasy situations, I think the best thing to do is have full concentration on what is going on around you.
Even if you feel comfortable walking home alone, if you are out late don't walk back by yourself. Many fraternity men are more than willing to walk people back, and plenty of houses have people that have to stay sober that could drive you home.
And don't forget about Safe Ride, a service provided by DePauw. Its job is to take you places when you don't feel safe, even if it is just going back to your dorm from the library on a Wednesday night. Besides, Patrick from Safe Ride is an awesome person.
Be aware that Greencastle locals and other people that aren't members of the DePauw community often make a habit of coming on campus, including late in the evening. For the most part, they are friendly and harmless. But with what has been going on around Greencastle lately, don't take any chances. It is OK to be friendly during the day, but at night it is so much more important to be careful. It is better to assume the worst and get home safe.
In the end, I think we could all learn a few things from Antoine Dodson. He had a point when he said that you need to "Hide your kids, hide your wife and hide your husband, too."
But seriously, be safe. I mean it.
—Dobias is a sophomore from Fishers, Ind., majoring in political science.
opinion@thedepauw.com