By Ellie Smith
Features Editor
When the majority of people walk down the streets of Westford, they are not worried about witnessing violence or crimes on a daily basis.
Living in Westford, we are fortunate to reside in such a privileged community. However, living in such a privileged area with little violence may cause students to become sheltered.
The concept of being sheltered is defined as protected from difficulties or unpleasant realities.
As a community, it is important that we become aware of the issues going on around the world in order to gain a better understanding of what others living in less fortunate areas experience daily.
In Westford, major issues pertaining to extreme racism, violence and crimes are not seen every day. However, just 10 miles away in Lowell, violence is a common occurrence.
According to Neighborhood Scout Organization, Westford is safer than 90% of towns in the US. Compared to the US average, Westford has a far smaller crime rate, while Lowell is slightly higher than the US average.
Because the majority of kids living in Westford have their basic needs met such as food and shelter, we are able to focus on things such as academics, extracurricular activities and social lives. Children in other areas of the country do not have this luxury, because they are forced to worry about where their next meal will come from, where they will sleep that night or whether or not their family is safe from violent crimes.
Students in Westford have the choice to be aware of issues happening not only in the community, but around the world. However, children growing up in areas with high crime rates have no choice but to experience social issues first hand. Some children grow up in areas where violence is something they see every day and are forced to deal with the issues.
The fact that students in Westford are considered sheltered is not any of the students’ faults. We are fortunate to grow up in such a privileged community.
However, as citizens, we have a choice to become aware of the issues going on around the world. Becoming aware of what is going on in the world through sources such as the news is important for everyone.
Gaining an understanding of what events are happening around the world is important because it allows us to be aware of how privileged we are to live in such a safe community. Also, becoming aware of such issues allows people to work towards improving the situations of those less fortunate and making changes to solve problems that go on every day.
