Local Student at Virginia Tech

Many parents sat and watched the violence unfold on TV wondering about their own children who attend the school. Robin Mercer sent her youngest daughter off to college in the fall nearly 8 hours away at Virginia Tech. Its was tough, but proud moment for Mercer who knew her daughter would get a good education. The last thing she expected was her baby girl living through the worst shootings in american history. Across the country we all watched in horror as the tragedy at Virginia Tech unfolded. In Owensboro, one mother sat closer to her TV than most. Robin Mercers daughter Megan is freshman at Virginia Tech. "A little before 9 I got a call from Megan," says Robin Mercer. She knew her mother always watched the news and wanted to tell her first hand she wasnt in danger. "At first knowing she was safe in her dorm I was fairly calm." But that calm quickly turned to panic as the news story unfolded. Robin watched the death toll rise from two, to 22 to 32 "There was a two hour time period I couldnt get to her." Megan Mercer enrolled at Virginia Tech after visiting a friend already on campus. Shes a double major in English and History with a minor in government. One of those majors - English - is the same as the gunman who wandered around the same buildings Megan has class. "Glad he didnt chose the English building instead of the engineering building." Mercer says a little after 11 she got a call from Megan saying the swat team had searched her dorm and it was secure. Robins mind was at ease again. "She did not see or experience anything that would be with her for a lifetime." The whole event is a reality check for Robin and her family. "Its hard to protect yourself or your children from incidents like these." All Robin could do was watch and wait for a phone call - but now her daughter is coming home for a few days to get away from the chaos of campus. "Were just so grateful shes safe." But that doesnt mean they dont feel the pain for the friends and classmates Megan lost. Meghan lives in Lee hall. There are only two freshman dorms on campus. Robin say by luck of the draw she didnt get placed in West Ambler Johnston where the first two murders took place.