Miranda Cobb
While most people stayed inside to avoid the dangerous storm yesterday, teens found they could stay connected to their friends and the outside world through Twitter and Facebook. Because of their 21st century tech-savvy culture, many teenagers turned to social media outlets in order to find out information about the approaching storm. Twitter profiles like
@RealSandyCane show a comical viewpoint of the storm. RealSandyCane tweeted Monday evening, "JUST BLEW A LAPTOP INTO THE OCEAN. NOW A DELL IS ROLLING IN DA DEEP." Teens were also concerned about losing their access to the outside world.
One Patriot student Tweeted, "Charging everything I've got!" Social Media like Twitter and Facebook were very attractive to teens as local students around the area expressed concern about their electronic devices losing power. They also worried that they would not have time to get all their work in before the end of the nine week grading period this Friday. One student cried out on Twitter, "Dear PWCS, PLEASEEEEEE EXTEND THE GRADING PERIOD." As Sandy, the "Frankenstorm," touched down on many towns across the East Coast, citizens were encouraged to stay indoors and prepare for more inclement weather conditions. During that time, high school students occasionally went off-line long enough to enjoy other forms of media, help their families prepare for the storm and even do some school work. Patriot Senior Nickolas Beverland said that although Lacrosse training has been postponed, he was excited about taking a break from school and having the opportunity to catch up with his favorite TV show, "The Walking Dead." Patriot students were also excited about their day off, judging from the pictures they posted on the photo sharing site, Instagram. Many Instagram photos depicted teens in their pajamas with a stashes of food as they sat in front of their televisions watching movies and news.
Stonewall Jackson Senior, Jessica May wrote, "I tied down my deck furniture with my mom, and I bought non-refrigerated foods and water for my family incase the power went out for a long time. I also charged my phone to keep informed, because I use (it for) news and
weather.com updates." Patriot Senior Senior Annamaria Bassi also took a serious approach to the storm. "I am taking steps to ensure I do not have to leave the house and drive," said Bassi. "With college early admissions due Nov 1, I am submitting everything today just incase the power goes out for the next few days. I am charging my phone, bringing the patio furniture inside and laying out all the flashlights."
With hurricane conditions improving, some students who got their work done early can relax Tuesday, while others will be hitting the books. Then, there is always the possibility that with road closures, they may receive Wednesday off as well.
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