Holly Cox
holly@newsroom.byu.edu
Although countdown clocks around the world are winding down as huge parties are gearing up to celebrate the new millennium, emotions seem to be mixed concerning the threat of Y2K as New Year's Day approaches.
Some students say that they're tired of hearing about Y2K. Ariana Merrill, 20, a chemistry major from Greenville, Ohio, says she's not worried about traveling over the holiday break.
'The worst thing that can happen is that I can't get back right away,' says Merrill. 'Which would actually be OK -- I'd have more time with my family.'
Others, like M. Ray Palmer 24, a senior from Los Alamos, N.M., majoring in electrical engineering, took a more sarcastic view on Y2K.
'I hope my forks are Y2K compliant,' says Palmer who rolled his eyes and laughed. 'I'm sure all my food will get confused about its expiration date, and 100 years of mold is going to magically appear in my fridge.'
Rebecca Heusser, 24, a junior majoring in recreation management from Kaysville, Davis County, says the worst scenarios would most likely come from people who overreact.
'If people freak out and withdraw their money from the bank, that's the worst thing they could do,' says Heusser. 'Even if you can't get to it right away, it's still there.'
Heusser, who works at the Orem Recreation Center, says there won't be any special precautions taken at her work place. The Center will close early on New Year's Eve, and not operate on New Years Day, which is common.
Carolyn Brown of Provo owns an herb shop in Orem. She says her shop will not be taking any special precautions on New Years because it isn't computerized.
'We're thinking about putting up a big sign in the window that says, 'Our Herbs are Y2K Safe',' said Brown. 'You know, capitalize on the panic.'
However, some people are still concerned about the advent of the year 2000 and Y2K.
Natasha Jones, 25, a recent graduate of BYU from Colorado Springs, Colo., referred to an e-mail she received from her uncle, which was a copy of an article written about solar cooking by a BYU physics professor. Jim Jones said that having an alternative to electric cooking during the Y2K scare might be a good idea.
'I am not making any comment on what will really happen,' said Jones. 'Only that having the plans won't hurt and could possible help a lot if needed.'
Natasha Jones says she will be sure to have some food on hand just in case.
Heusser agrees, saying that even if nothing happens, it might be nice to avoid the stores for a while.
Whether or not Y2K will affect daily life remains to be seen, but for many students at BYU the advent of the millennium seems to be more an adventure than a threat.