It’s one thing to hear about the Boston Marathon explosions from the safety of Pine Crest School- it’s another thing to experience them first hand.

Every year, Pine Crest students matriculate across the country: from Los Angeles to New Haven, from Chicago to, inevitably, Boston. And with over fifty-three colleges and universities in Boston and its surrounding areas, many former Panthers take the T, watch Red Sox games at Fenway Park, and stroll Faneuil Hall between their classes at some of the nation’s top schools. Some even participated in or attended the annual Boston Marathon, where the two explosions that changed an annually celebrated rite of Spring, began the cascade of nationwide panic, and ultimately a surge of national pride.

Like many Americans, Boston University freshman Brooke Wayne (’12) initially was in a state of disbelief upon hearing of the bombing. “I was told by my aunt who lives in New York first. I thought that maybe there was an accidental explosion, but as my friends and I started texting, one told me there were multiple bombs placed in trashcans, and I knew it was an act of terror,” she said.

As the day’s events unfolded, unanswered questions continued to surface. “I couldn’t fully feel scared and empathetic until I really understood the magnitude of the situation alongside viewing the graphic videos of the horrific tragedies,” said Jacob Goldberg (’12) who attends Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city directly north of Boston. Goldberg was planning on running the half-marathon but made a last-minute decision to study for an exam later that day. “What I was wondering, just like everyone else, was simply ‘why?’”

Wayne, who left the marathon an hour before the explosions were detonated, had a similar reaction. “The reality of it hit me the next day… I kept replaying different situations in my head- What if I was there? What if my friends had been hurt? I’m just really appreciative of every second that I am alive and healthy.”

Amidst the chaos and flood of unconfirmed news, some former Panthers were disappointed in the way their college communicated with its students. “[Harvard] took a while to inform us. In fact, we knew about the blasts and everything two hours before we were informed. [Harvard University Police Department’s] response was that they were trying to gather all the details before sending out false information,” Goldberg observed.

Danielle Grossman (’11), who also attends Harvard University, felt differently. “With the craziness that ensued both on the day of the bombings and the shooting/manhunt, the school has been very focused on keeping the students and faculty safe and calm,” Grossman explained. “We have a really good emergency alert system that has been helpful in facilitating communication between administrators and students.”

Wayne, however, was overwhelmingly impressed by the way in which Boston University handled the bombing and its subsequent events. “We were consistently getting text/email emergency alerts urging us to stay inside and away from certain areas. As we learned more about the bombing, BU was quick to e-mail us with numerous counseling services on campus for students who were affected/needed to talk to someone.”

Considering the aftermath of the events, many citizens across the country are concerned with the safety in Boston- but not PC alumni. Many of them, including MIT Freshman Alex Jaffe (’12), noted that this could have happened in any city. “The overall view on terrorism, at least before these events occurred, in the United States, other than maybe New York, is too lax in my opinion,” remarked Jaffe. “At least this event will cause more awareness. Bottom line: This could have happened almost anywhere else.”

Harvard Freshman Pablo Arboleda (’12) feels the same way. “Considering the way the police and city reacted to the event and the rather clean criminal history of the city, I can safely say I feel safe in Boston and its surroundings. Although very unfortunate and sad, the week was just a fluke,” he remarked. “Everything has already picked up again and the air around us feels the same as before.”

Once Tsarnaev was captured Friday night, an outburst of pride in Boston swept the news, social media, and the hearts of Americans nationwide. When asked about her feelings toward Boston after the bombing, Carolina Berger (’12), a freshman at Tufts University exclaimed, “I love Boston even more! I am so proud of the way the city has come together to help each other through this tragedy.”

Wayne, who was in her dorm when Tsarnaev was detained, took part in the city’s celebration. “My friend and I heard people screaming in the streets, so we ran outside and walked all the way to the Boston Commons with a mass of college students- people were hugging cops, screaming the national anthem, cheering as cars rolled by, honking their horns in celebration. It was an unbelievable experience that made me proud to say I go to college in Boston.”

People across the country and the world have reveled in Boston’s strength throughout the tragedy. Goldberg shared with me a tweet by @TheBatman that he thought epitomized the resilience in the city: “When Gotham needs a hero they look to Batman. When Boston needs a hero they just look to the person standing next to them.”

Type One would like to thank Alex Jaffe, Brooke Wayne, Carolina Berger, Danielle Grossman,  Jacob Goldberg, and Pablo Arboleda for agreeing to be interviewed throughout the tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed or injured. If you would like to donate to help those affected by the tragic events, please visit onefundboston.org.