On Aug. 15, the Longwood Landings Northeast building were struck by lighting and set on fire, causing an array of problems such as water damage and displaced students. Then, on Aug. 30, a couple driving through Farmville lost control of their brakes and careened into a house off of High Street, ripping a hole through the foundation of the house and breaking a window. A few days ago on Sept. 2, an oven fire in the Longwood Landings led to another, more temporary, displacement of students as the Farmville Fire Department battled a second fire this semester.
Over the past two years, I have experienced hearing police sirens more times than I can count. With a town full of college students, it seems like our local police and fire departments are always busy. However, this year appears to have been set with a darker tone as the damage and effect on our community has been more substantial.
I’ve heard whispers about it already, but I will be the first to come out and say, maybe it’s because of the debate. Honestly, the debate has never really bothered me the way it has bothered some students. I feel like a lot of the changes we are experiencing may have happened with or without the Vice Presidential Debate coming to Farmville. Though, it is the only thing that I can think of that has really changed.
It is already clear that there are a number of students that are upset by the debate and who think that Longwood is putting their own politics before the needs of the students. There is a lingering possibility that the aforementioned events are a sort of karma, resulting from a lack of attention to our students’ needs. Maybe it is all a coincidence, but it will be interesting to see what else happens as we get closer to Oct. 4.
*Disclaimer: This article does not reflect the views of The Rotunda or its author in any serious manner.*
