Posted on Jul 21, 2005

London has long been a hot spot for American students studying abroad. It's appeal is three-fold — it's English speaking, it has well-known schools, and its transportation system makes it easy to get around. But it's that same transportation system that is now under attack, putting fear in the hearts of loving parents.


“My fears are the worse fears that any parent could have. That something could happen to her,” said Alban Molineaux.


Molineaux's daughter, Diane, was in London during the July 7 bombings. She's one of 12 students from Union College studying there.


“The situation over there, it ties your stomach right in a knot, you know, because you fear for your child. You want to protect them in any way you possibly can, and there's nothing I can do when she's over there,” said Molineaux.


Despite his worries, Molineaux wants his daughter to continue her trip.


“Don't let terrorists get what they are trying to get, you know. Don't let them win,” said Molineaux.


Ann Wilkening agrees with Molineaux. She sends Saint Rose students to London every semester, and this fall she's sending five.


“We have not discouraged students from going there,” said Wilkening.


Wilkening understands her students' concerns. Her own son was in London more than a decade ago during an IRA attack.


“Your first concern is that the child you brought into this world, you want to know that they are going to be safe. But the reality of this world is that they could be crossing the street, Western Avenue, and something could happen to them. So I would rather them take chances,” said Wilkening.


Wilkening said the school is closely monitoring the bombings. They have two students in London right now, and said both are safe.