There is a staring epidemic at Penn State. Have you ever been walking to class and noticed someone staring at you as you pass by? Or maybe you’ve sat on the bus, only to notice the very odd man from across the aisle staring you down. This has become an increasingly noticeable experience for all those who attend PSU and those visiting.
A not-so-warm welcome
An anonymous source who attends Michigan State University visited Penn State University for Saint Patrick’s weekend. When they entered the dorm buildings for the first time, they immediately noticed all of the eyes on them. They found this very odd, seeing as it is such a rare occurrence at their own school. Throughout the rest of their visit, there were multiple other occasions where they noticed people staring them down for no apparent reason.
The source recalled one specific incident a few days into their stay when they walked into the dorm building with their friend. As they walked into the building, they were mid-sentence when they noticed everyone standing by the elevator was staring at them; it was as if they were even glaring.
The students of PSU
The next anonymous source is a student at Penn State University. They described several instances of passersby staring them down on their way to class, on the bus or even in their classes. The source mentioned that most days, at least one person will practically turn their head to follow their every move as they walk past. Another example given was when they got on the bus to head to class. This odd-looking man was sitting across from them with his eyes locked on them.
However, one particular moment they recalled was especially alarming. One morning, as the source was walking back to their dorm, two girls who were passing by stopped dead in their tracks stared at them, and then proceeded to laugh. The reason for their laughter remains unclear, as the source was simply walking home.
East Coast norms
The last anonymous source is a student who attends Penn State but grew up in a Midwest state. This source stated that they found the “norms” of people from the East Coast to be vastly different from those in the Midwest. In the Midwest, when you go grocery shopping, it’s very common to engage in casual conversation with the strangers around you. Or when you pass by someone and make eye contact, you smile.
However, since moving to Pennsylvania and visiting the surrounding areas, that’s not so common. When you go shopping, those around you will rarely smile at you and are even less likely to speak to you. The source stated that they believe it’s just the difference in the way everyone is raised in different regions.
What has been your experience with the staring epidemic? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYMag!
