COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whether or not you knew USC senior Samantha Josephson, her death made an impact on many.
That's part of a heartfelt message one USC student made on social media. She didn't know "Sami" until she wasn't here any longer.
It all took on a deeper meaning for junior Kelsi Mariner, who took to Facebook to express her grief.
Her is her message from Facebook:
"It's strange to sit in class today. It's weird that I, like thousands of others, drove to school and parked in my usual place. Russell House is still selling food and professors are still lecturing. but, despite the normality of Monday routines, all of us feel different, empty.
Campus is a shared space, a sense of otherness from society. College is apart from normal, a bubble, a space to grow and learn and experience life. but our bubble has been violated. I never knew Samantha, but my heart is bleeding for her and for all the people that knew her and for the people that didn't know her.
My heart is bleeding for women, who in 2019, have to suffer the subconscious fear of violence everyday whether they know it or not. Women experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, when compared to men, because we live in a world where the violent acts against one woman change the sense of safety for women everywhere.
I'm certain that many men are distraught by what occurred. But they don't have to come up with a game plan. They don't have to picture themselves in a situation and plan an exit strategy. They don't have to alter their behaviors to be safe in their environment. We need to make a change to our world, and I'm not sure what it should be. And we shouldn't have to tell women to "travel in groups" or "be extra careful." But this is the world we live in.
When you travel today, be mindful. Take time when you're walking to reflect on the world around you. Go through your day slowly, stop and notice the beauty of nature and the beauty in people. Call your parents, love your friends, send out gratitude to your community. Be gentle with yourself and others. And brainstorm ways to change this world, because women all over the world are hurting, and we shouldn't have to be."