Northline The Quad

            This is the first of four entries on the book Northline by Willy Vlautin. I began my journey by venturing into the quad on the campus of UNR. Although the book does not specify the quad, simply stating college grounds, I felt the quad was where Dan getting beat up would of occurred. It has the quintessential college feel making it the most appropriate for the scene. What is strange about standing in the quad during the daytime is it doesn't really seem like I would get beat up there, in fact it is inviting and a place I enjoy spending time at. The grass and trees are perfect place for a mid afternoon nap or reading a good book.

            The thing is campus is a different place at night. The shift from day to night completely changes how it feels. The quad doesn't feel as safe at night the long shadows from the trees make it menacing. I understand how Dan could of been completely terrified on that night walking home from the party. I saw a guy with long hair walking through the quad. He looked sort of like a hippy. That could have been what Dan looked like in this scene of the book. He describes himself as having long hair. To get beat nearly to death in the quad at night like Dan would make me hate that place. Honestly, I understand that these people went after Dan because he was somewhat different, but I don't see why anybody would have the reason to do that to me or anyone else on campus. Form the people I've met on campus thus far everyone has been super friendly. It is scary to think that things like this can happen and they do happen. Although not in the quad, someone working in the residence halls got stabbed a few weeks ago. College can bring out some crazy people from time to time. My friend Yuchen goes to USC and they just had a shooting on campus! That is really scary and this demonstrates that Dan getting beat up in the quad is not an unlikely event in real like and could really happen.