The reality is that we live in a post 911 world. Since that date, fear within America has only grown. We all see the impact of this on TV, but what is the effect on West Morris Central students?

Millennials are on average living more sheltered lives than their parents. In the words of history teacher Mr. Walsh, WMC students are living in the Long Valley “bubble”.

Long Valley is considered by many as a “perfect” place to raise kids: it’s safe and it has a great school system. Washington Township was ranked the fourth safest town in America in 2016 according to a list released by safewise.com.

This prompts the question: Is it really better to raise children in a safe environment? Is it better to raise your children in a less safe environment that will offer more experiences?

WMC senior Olivia Fryer has the following comment:

“Although I personally believe that experiences should be valued more than safety, I think that it depends on who your are as an individual as if you are not comfortable in the environment that you are raising your children in, they will not benefit as much.”

Growing up in a safe environment not only “saves” children from crime, it also “saves” children from having real-world experiences that promote growth. WMC students are considered to be cultured, intelligent individuals, however, they are also very sheltered.

Nailed to the front of our school building are the words, “Make your life extraordinary”. This statement sums up the general attitude of Long Valley which is to focus on self-preservation.

Students in Long Valley are encouraged to put all of their energy into academic success, making it easy to forget about the struggling outside world. This combined with the growing fear of terrorism makes Long Valley a very closed-off town.

Although it is important to appreciate the opportunity that is available to WMC students, it is also important change perspective and look outward, beyond the “bubble”.

Photo Credits: Long Valley Patch