Millersville Univ. Student Studying Abroad In Paris During Recent Attacks

By Justin Finch

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In too many ways, a Lancaster-area college student says the Paris attacks hit close to home.

Millersville University student Caitlyn Bordon says she lives very near the Bataclan Theatre, where masked men killed dozens last Friday.

That night, she was with friends at the National Sports Stadium, when booms began to echo on the soccer field below, where France and Germany were competing.

"We heard a really loud crash like a cannon or fireworks or thunder."

Soon, she realized those booms were cause for worry.

"People started running as you would if someone pulled a gun or something."

Caitlyn tried to stay with her friends, but one went missing.

"We just realized we needed to get out of there," says Caitlyn, "we need to get away from people, big crowds, we needed to find a metro and get back to the city."

That's where they found their missing friend.

Then, minutes later they saw a report on the news of more than a hundred killed in what appeared to be a multi-pronged terrorist attack.

"I had just been at the theater at two or three weeks ago with a couple of friends, it's just down the street the whole neighborhood that was attacked is just a couple of minutes from where I live."

Back in the US, Caitlyn's family is watching the news from Paris, as are many others with loved ones studying abroad.

Area colleges and universities are watching too.

"We have students on every continent except Antarctica," says Messiah College Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs Wendy Lippert.

She is keeping tabs on one student in Paris.

"It is definitely one of those instances where you going into risk management mode," says Lippert, "making sure your students are safe."

And, like Caitlyn, he was safe.

She plans to stay in Paris, and heal in the place she -- for now -- calls home.

"I feel like I would be remiss if I left them in this we were terrified and broken together, and I mean we're going to do our best to heal together and create a new daily life together.