Tragedy

It has taken me a while to write about the recent tragedy at NIU. The main reason for my delayed reaction is the lack of time I've had to devote to, well anything rather than studying. However, I feel I have a lot to say on the topic.

The first thing I want to say isn't about the startling nature of the crime, the jab in my own campus' recent wounds, or even how much sympathy and hope I want to send to the Huskies community. I want to talk about how this recent event made me realize how out of touch I am with the outside world. I wouldn't have even heard about the shooting until the next day if my boyfriend's roommate hadn't checked his e-mail and announced it to the room. It's some what shocking the difference in receiving information here versus at home. Last April I knew what was going on as it was unfolding, yet at another college I'm only finding out about it afterwards. I'm sure part of this has to do with the proximity of the colleges- Tech is obviously much closer to NOVA than NIU; the rest of the state probably found out about the tragic event before the news reached the nation. I still find the delay in information ab it unsettling. Did every other college find out about April 16th as late as I found out about February 14th? ...and did any of those students wonder the same as I am now?

There are so many questions to be asked about these recent events. I know that Virginia Tech is a safe campus, but I'm sure at this moment many other campuses are questioning their own safety measures. Its very startling that something like this could happen twice; what are people thinking? What makes them want to commit such a horrific phenomenon? I am sure these questions are running through million's minds right now. When walking to classes or sitting in lectures what makes one person want to do that?... and furthermore, how do I know what are those people were sitting next to, or walking past are thinking?

Virginia Tech does offer a very good counseling center, and has extended its hours lately in order to help those students whom need it. I'm sure a lot of students who were here last year need the additional support; the reminder of the so recent tragedy here must be very hard to handle. I can only imagine the pain and anxiety that some of those students must be feeling.

I do give all my sympathy and condolences to the students and staff at NIU. I signed one of the boards to send to the school and only hope that the vast support the students here want to give those at NIU helps them to cope in some way. I know it meant a lot when everyone was a Hokie to support us in our time of need. Well now were all Huskies.

Hokies for Huskies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.