Maybe...

[soccer79]

I know the 2 most current threads already deal with the crime issues against AUC students and the increase of crime on SXM - but i have to say that I too am really panicked about these most current events. Ever since I read the basic sci dean's email - i've been trying to rationalize things and situations but it's difficult....
Little things like how do i get from the airport to the dorm/apt - an unmarked cab or bus is not going to happen - how am i going to go grocery shopping every week - i grew up in nyc - cars are not my friend - i now want a roommate even after 4 years post-undergrad living in the murder cap of the us [dc] - are warping my mind - going to med school - one shouldn't have to be freaked about going for a run alone or picking up a gallon of milk - or walking to class....

i get that the lack of a us entity [is there a us consulate on the island - if not where is the closest us consulate - puerto rico?] on the island is what's bothering me most - does anyone recommend registering with a gov't official stateside [if even possible] - to maybe have them know that you're going to school overseas and want an official record made here in the states should anything happen here in sxm - i think the state gov agencies have something to this effect...


specifically, "women should be accompanied by a man at all times, if accosted don't fight back, etc" - did he even read what he wrote? -yeah, right - i'm not a strong girl and i'm not a hero - but i'm not going to just not fight back if attacked...

i'm totally sorry for the rant - if anyone wants to be my new best friend at auc, i'm currently accepting applications - minimum qualifications - you must have a car and drive [i will most graciously pay you a fee of like 20 dollars per trip [grocery shopping, airport, whatever], you can guard my apt while i sleep/study - i will reimburse you via sandwiches [i am an excellent sandwich maker] - you must be able to run both mornings and nights anywhere from 3 to 12 miles [i will provide you with a copy of my compiled cds- aka music from the 80's, a deal when you figure the cd set cost like 30 dollars- send your apps in soon!

okay i feel better now - thanks.

[stateofequilibrium]

Alright alright, let's not get hysterical. So far these are isolated incidents happening to a few students out of hundreds that pass through year each.

In terms of security, so far I have not heard of anything happening in the dorms or apartments immediately adjacent to the campus. They are all very well lit and have eer, guards.

In terms of being a girl, to be brutally honest, it's tough being a girl anywhere. Anywhere has crazy men willing to do crazy things. Just take simple precautions. A lot of girls go jogging here, alone or otherwise and have not heard anything bad so far, you'll quickly learn which are the well lit busy streets and which ones are not.

To put things in prospective, I've not heard of any incidents with people jogging here, but in the states you hear of someone getting attacked/raped/killed jogging (ie Philadelphila med student a year or so back).

[Scott1981]

i wouldnt worry too much just yet. let auc flex their muscles a little. i do think they are going for sxm's balls by going to the tourist board. that is a very smart and shrewd thing to do.......sxm WILL listen because the island is lesotho or somolia without tourism.

secondly, it is only a very acute spike in violent crime. lets see how the situation plays out.

i do think that the dean's message was poorly worded and can send the wrong message. theoretically, if a girl is getting sexually assaulted (didnt happen.... just saying to make a point), she shouldnt fight back :shock:?

[stateofequilibrium]

And to be fair, microphage and levator are off the island so campus should be safe. But flickingoffidioticdrivers is still here and Chancecount looks shifty eyed.

[islandwife]

Soccer, I completely understand your concern. I wouldn't jog by myself in many places - I go in the mornings with a friend and we jog around campus. Say hi to the guards, make sure they know you are there, stay by the cameras, and even if you aren't - pretend you are outgoing. You will be less of a target if the potential attacker gets a great big "Hi" from you and the impression that you aren't unfriendly, but also not necessarily too timid to kick where it counts if you need to.
I am thinking something will improve soon. Just don't go too many places alone. I am sure there are a couple of big, tough looking guys happy to 'escort you' and girls who won't mind hanging out.

[ChanceCount]

And to be fair, microphage and levator are off the island so campus should be safe. But flickingoffidioticdrivers is still here and Chancecount looks shifty eyed.

What are you implying?

I still don't understand why everyone is so concerned. I go out frequently and I drink until I am just a lifeless lump of flesh and I've never had a problem getting home at 3, 4, or 5 AM, These incidents are isolated.

[wendyalexandra]

I'll be your friend. I have a car, don't mind guard work, and like sandwiches. I'm asthmatic though. Could I just have a couple of martinis, listen to the 80s music, and imagine myself running?

[soccer79]

dirty or clean? - olives or not?:p wendyalexandra, i will most definitely take you up on your offer of friendship [you had most of the minimal quals - and by that i mean you are the only one who replied to the ad ;) - and thanks to you island wife for your sound advice as well...while i feel better today - i am normally a very chilled out person - i'm still a bit nervous about all of this - i guess whatever will be, will be ,and there's really not much else one can do apart from being vigilant
thanks to all

[wendyalexandra]

I like them dirty, how about you?

[stateofequilibrium]

SSW! SSW!

I like them dirty, how about you?

[msbookite]

your "unmarked buses" comment prompted my reply...all "real buses" have BUS on their license plate. I just recently had my first thru fourth (2 different round trips) experiences with riding the bus here and i've been here almost 5 full semesters. it wasn't bad once i got the first guy to understand i where i wanted to go and figured out that i don't have to pay until i get out...

good luck to you, i am among those who aren't terribly concerned that this is even a "spike" however i disagree that students are the only target. for breakins maybe but for muggings i think just being american makes you a "rich" target since when out and about they wouldn't know you are a student.

just don't act like this is a small midwestern town (as in don't be too trusting) even tho it seems like paradise and most likely you will avoid problems.

just my .02

Ms

[DrShikima]

I'll be your friend. I have a car, don't mind guard work, and like sandwiches. I'm asthmatic though. Could I just have a couple of martinis, listen to the 80s music, and imagine myself running?

Plus all those undergrad courses of underwater knife fighting will come in handy....

[wendyalexandra]

Everyone needs a hobby, and I do love water!

[sparkles]

your "unmarked buses" comment prompted my reply...all "real buses" have BUS on their license plate. I just recently had my first thru fourth (2 different round trips) experiences with riding the bus here and i've been here almost 5 full semesters. it wasn't bad once i got the first guy to understand i where i wanted to go and figured out that i don't have to pay until i get out...

You also have to be wary about some shady taxi drivers who will tell you that the buses aren't running if they see you waiting for a bus.

[Macgyver1]

I ride the buses ALL the time, its how I get to Philipsburg or go food shopping. It is very cheap and there are usually plenty of them riding around to always get one when you need it. The Buses have a sign in their window that shows where they are going, once you ride enough you learn where they go and where they DON'T go. Most of the drivers are just trying to make a living and are courteous and helpful. From the school to philipsburg is 2.00 one way. A lot better than a taxi who will try to slap 20.00 oneway on ya if not more. The buses are a great and cheap to get around to learn the island until you can buy a car. Ive only had good experiences with the buses. There is 1 or 2 out of (15 i think)drivers who will not take you past Maho Resort when coming to Mullet Bay if you are not a local it seems. The vast majority will be more than happy to take you all the way to Atlantis Casino which is right next to the school. Im glad someone told me about the buses while I was down here, saved me a lot of money.