Traveling with Awareness: Shanquella's Story and the Dark Side of Friendship

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Hey travel besties! 

I hope you are all doing well. As you know, our little corner of the internet is dedicated to discussing travel, well-being, and EVERYTHING in between. Today, I would like to talk about an important topic that has been on my mind lately. It revolves around an incident involving Shanquella Robinson, which has been quite distressing. 

For those who may have missed the news, various sources reported that Shanquella and a group of individuals traveled outside of the United States on October 28th, 2022, to celebrate the birthdays of some members of the travel group. Tragically, on October 29th, her family received devastating news. Shanquella had passed away. 

Sometime later, a viral video surfaced, exposing a distressing incident in which Shanquella was subjected to an attack. The video captured a harrowing scene: while a group of individuals stood by, some even recording the events, no one seemed to intervene to end the assault. The widespread circulation of this short clip on social media has not only deepened the sorrow felt by her family and friends but has also left many around the world bewildered due to the lingering unanswered questions surrounding the incident. 

In the months that have followed Shanquella's tragic passing, her loved ones have tirelessly pursued justice, challenging the initial belief that her demise was solely due to alcohol poisoning, contrary to what they were allegedly told. To amplify their plea for a thorough investigation, they have coordinated impactful marches in both Charlotte, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., and have also reached out to Mexican authorities through letters, hopeful that their case will be examined diligently and justice will be served. However, the progress in the investigation has been frustratingly sluggish, instilling concerns that the urgency of the matter may fade over time. The arduous wait and perceived lack of action present significant emotional challenges for those persistently advocating for justice.           

One unsettling aspect of this tragedy as captured on video is the alleged involvement of Shanquella's supposed "best friend" who allegedly recorded the attack and even encouraged her to defend herself rather than intervene to end the madness. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the people we allow into our lives. It's disheartening to see how many people have subsequently shared their experiences about toxic friendships on social media, thankful that they managed to escape unharmed. 

While we may never have complete certainty, it is plausible to consider that Shanquella might have overlooked certain warning signs concerning the genuine intentions of her travel companions, which could also potentially provide valuable insights for our own well-being. These red flags could have included subtle insults, constant competition, unreciprocated kindness, one-sided conversations, public humiliation, diminished self-confidence, lack of genuine happiness for her achievements, unnecessary drama, and backstabbing. 

Truth be told, true friendship should not be based on negativity, trauma bonding, or teaming up against others. True friends should be able to travel together, have fun, and create lasting memories without the feeling of constant paranoia or the need to even entertain self-defense. Besties - hear me well: if we cannot have positive interactions with "friends" where we can show empathy during difficult times, then we’re better off not being around them. This conversation about toxic relationships should also extend to toxic family members because we are well aware that not all relatives are supportive. 

Each time I think about Shanquella, tears well up in my eyes. It's a painful reminder of the cruelty that exists in this world - a world that's also filled with natural beauty and wonders that beckon us to explore.  It's truly astonishing to consider that travel, an activity intended to fill us with anticipation for discovering new landscapes, unwinding, revitalizing, and embracing different cultures, can also expose us to unfortunate situations.

Based on the photos and videos being circulated via social media and on various media outlets, Shanquella was a beautiful, intelligent, and successful woman with her whole life ahead of her. The mysterious nature of this ordeal makes it even harder to comprehend. I can only imagine the devastation I would feel if something like this ever happened to my own daughter. I pray that she has the wisdom to choose her friends wisely, and as a parent, I'll certainly be thorough in my evaluations of her friends. I can already anticipate that she will be sick of me when I run entire background checks on her friends! 😩

This incident has left a profound impact worldwide, shedding light on the inhumane treatment Shanquella endured during her last moments in this earthly realm. Instead of enjoying beautiful destinations and capturing precious memories, she is now a memory to those who knew and loved her.  

My dear friends, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-control. Our irresponsible actions can lead us into our own personal nightmare. Let us commit to keeping our hands to ourselves and preventing violence from escalating. Just imagine if someone had intervened during the assault. Now, a family mourns the loss of their daughter, and more families could potentially face the pain of losing their children to the judicial system in the future. 

While this tragedy may make you reconsider group travel, it's important to note that traveling with the right people can be enjoyable and offer benefits such as efficient planning, shared experiences, cost savings, stepping out of your comfort zone, and (usually) increased safety in numbers. 

If you still choose to travel with a group, I recommend the following precautions: 

• Book your own room
• Avoid consuming excessive alcohol and remain aware of your surroundings at all times
• Never leave your drink or food unattended
• Make sure someone knows your whereabouts and who you're with
• Avoid unnecessary conflicts
•  Research travel advisories and safety guidelines provided by reputable sources such as government websites and travel organizations
• Connect with local expat communities or fellow travelers through online forums or social media groups to get insights and tips for safe travel
• Utilize travel apps that provide real-time safety information, emergency contacts, and location-based alerts
• Register with your embassy or consulate in the destination country, so they can reach out to you in case of emergencies
• Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar or crowded areas
• Follow common safety practices such as securing your belongings, using reputable transportation services, and avoiding risky situations       

I join the rest of the world in extending my deepest condolences to Shanquella's loved ones and wishing her soul eternal peace. 

XOXO

Your Travel Bestie,

Thera Anastasia

Have you ever encountered the disheartening experience of being on a trip with people who were really not your friends? Feel free to share your story in the comments section! 

#justiceforShanquella #catchflightsnotfeelings #travel #travelsafely