As the band’s trip to NYC is quickly approaching, band members are experiencing an emotion that wasn’t expected. Everyone expected us to be excited, eager, and maybe a little nervous, but not afraid. With the terrorism happening all over our world, the fear of going to a big city is prominent.

Two different personalities overcome the band, the people who are confident that we will be okay, and the people who are terrified that we won’t be coming back home. I am somewhere in the middle of this spectrum because I am trying to be content with whatever happens, and my faith is helping me be content and enjoy this trip. Mari Karmel said, “I’m kind of half and half I either think something is going to happen and it’ll be really bad or nothing will happen at all. But I do know that I’m scared.”

Jordan Asher becomes our other side of the story and she said, “I’m actually more worried about losing someone than a bombing happening I’m sure nothing will happen.”

We have been through a short briefing about how to be safe in New York, but I don’t know that anyone could prepare us for a terrorist attack. They told us to stay with our chaperone and always wear our nametags so we stay with our group, but no other terrorism safety tips have been mentioned. My older brother was giving me a little information about how to handle it, and it simplifies down to three words: hide, flee, fight. The first thing to do is hide; it is the smartest thing to do and gives the best chance of survival. Then if you can’t hide, your best bet is to flee and get out of there as quickly as possible. The absolutely last thing you do if you have no other option is to fight. Don’t try to fight from the beginning, don’t try and be the hero, it will get you nowhere.

With all the horrible terrorism happening in our world from ISIS, people become afraid to go anywhere. My dad was talking to someone just the other day who said that they refuse to go into big cities now because of everything that is happening in our world.

I would be lying if I said haven’t gotten worried or upset about my fear of New York; I was crying last night because of another ISIS threat to NYC. I refuse to allow my fear to cripple me and keep me from enjoying all that a trip to New York City with my friends has to offer. This trip is the opportunity of a lifetime and I want to cherish every moment, not dread it. I believe that we can’t fear living because we are so afraid of other people. These people are dying for their religion, but I know that my God will keep me safe from them.