Molly Giertsen

Safety concerns in the ocean are rising after Sudiksha Konanki went missing in the Dominican.

With spring break right around the corner, the recent travel concerns have been on students’ minds. On March 6th, a University of Pittsburgh college student, Sudiksha Konanki, went missing in the hours of the day in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Konanki was pronounced missing shortly after. There were a ton of suspicions surrounding this incident, but just recently it was announced that she had drowned. The storyline of this incident has raised some concerns for those traveling over the break.

Whether it is going to the Dominican Republic or anywhere else, the news stories that have been released over this incident have made people more aware. Going to foreign countries has always raised safety concerns, but especially now. Sophomore Nick White is headed to the Dominican Republic for spring break and was asked about how he feels about recent concerns in the DR. “I’m going to the same place, I’m feeling a little bit nervous myself,” White said.

Sophomore Connor Timmins is headed to St. Augustine, Florida, for spring break. The concern around traveling domestically isn’t as high as that of those traveling internationally, but is definitely still there. Timmins is going to Florida but is concerned about the safety of his family. “I feel there are a lot of bad people in the world, and I hope that nobody takes me, or one of my family members,” Timmins said.

People going missing is definitely a scary topic for most high school students, as they know if they aren’t careful, it could be them at any point. It is something that slips our minds when we are in the moment of joyfulness on the beach or peacefulness by the pool. No matter what, recognizing those who have to go through issues like the Konanki family is very important. “I heard that her family’s grieving right now, and I wish them the best,” White said.

The recent issues of security concerns while traveling have been very serious. Regarding these concerns and having them change plans, it does not seem to have much effect. Families do not necessarily want to change their plans and waste money they have spent on a specific issue, but safety procedures will be taken. Timmins, who is going on a short trip, when asked about the security issues having any impact on changing plans, was not concerned as he is going for just a short time. “I’m going on spring break at the end of the week, so I should be good to go,” Timmins said.