Article January 7, 2002 Issue

After 9/11, a hall advisor comforts her community

By Jenny Sawyer

"You may have noticed that your friends seem a little more on–edge than usual," the speaker told our weekly student government meeting. "Counseling Services has just received additional funds from the college to extend our hours, which will hopefully help alleviate some of the anxiety we've been seeing on campus."

Hopelessness. Fear. Anger. Despair. These sentiments have been evident here at Bryn Mawr—and at colleges around the United States—since the attacks on September 11. What can we do if we're living in a community weighed down by these types of emotions? Is it possible to counter such sentiments?

The aftermath of the attacks left me filled with a deep desire to contribute to the healing efforts needed around the world. But where to start? I soon recognized that my prayers needed to begin with the challenges my college community was facing. My prayers weren't confined to Bryn Mawr, but I saw it was important to pray specifically for my campus. Healing was needed right here.