Not being argumentative, but I heard Shep say that and had a pang of understanding why he said it. Yes, these students are young adults, no question. But as a parent, this situation makes the protective emotions go into overload and they ARE children and our babies. Parents never stop feeling that way. Children also in terms of "too young" to experience this tragedy without the training and preparation to do so. Just a thought from a mom - because Shep's comment was interesting choice of words. (I notice that anyone born after I graduated from college is seems really young :) )