Kaidia Pickels vividly remembers the Nov.13 terror attacks in Paris – one of the deadliest attacks in that city since World War II – in which 129 people were killed. Several months later, the daily routine has returned to normal.
As much as possible.
“For the most part, since the attacks nothing has really changed,” said Pickels, a 2012 Southmoreland graduate who is studying in Europe. ” Paris is still the same bright beautiful place it was before. Especially since so much time has passed.”
Since the attacks have happened, she has still continued to keep the same everyday routine that she has had in the previous months of the attacks.
“I still walk the same streets that I did before and use the same metro,” said Pickels.” I don’t let fear stop me from traveling and doing the things I love to do.
Things have progressed back to normal for Kaidia as she continues her studies in Paris.
“I still continue to do what I love the most over here and that’s traveling,” said Pickels.She said she has already visited Amsterdam, Rennes, and Mont Saint-Michael in Normandy this semester.
Pickels came home over Christmas but still made the decision to go back over to Paris – with her parents’ blessing – even after she was home and the attacks were over.
“Kaidia is a strong and determined girl,” said Kaidia’s mother, Mary Pickels.” She doesn’t let fear stop her from doing what she loves, and that’s traveling the world.”
Her parents, Mary and Dwayne, have also kept a positive mind set while still making sure things are still safe for her daughter.
“The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is check Facebook,” said Dwayne Pickels.” I like to see the last time she was online, and that makes me have a sense of safety for her.”
Mrs.Pickels continued by saying when Kaidia comes home, there is a way they are able to “track the planes and where she is” by using a computer program.
“When she takes off, you can see where she is and how far away she is, said Mrs. Pickels. “ It helps to assure us that she is safe since the other attacks that have taken place in Belgium and it excites us to see her getting closer and closer.”
Belgium also encountered a series of attacks making things tense once again over in Europe.
“Of course, it’s always heartbreaking to see what happened in Paris happen anywhere else,”said Pickels.”Whether that be in Europe or in places like Pakistan or the Ivory Coast, where the violence often receives less attention.”
Kaidia will finish her studies in Paris in May and will return to New York to continue her education.
“She got accepted into New York University’s Masters program,” her father said. “She’ll study there her senior year, and she plans to continue living in New York.”
Kaidia told the Tam O’Shanter that Paris carries the phrase ““Fluctuat nec mergitur.”
“The phrase means ‘Tossed but never sunk,’” Pickels explained.” That’s the mindset you have to have over here. You have to just keep moving on and the opportunities I”ve had are amazing. I wouldn’t have traded this opportunity for anything.”