The Daily O’Collegian

In the wake of this tragedy, I thought it might be appropriate to show people some of the positive things that have happened this week.

The Oklahoma State University professors have been very understanding. We have had moments of silence in many classes and every instructor has at least said something to the class about the tragedy and given them sources for counseling. This has meant a great deal to many students and our instructors deserve praise for that.

I have read more sympathetic e-mails than we could possibly print this week. Condolences have been flooding into the newsroom, more so than we could ever print from all around the globe. This truly demonstrates the meaning of the loss of those who died to the entire world.

Everywhere I looked this week I saw a barrage of orange ribbons. Even the housekeepers in the Student Union wore them out of respect.

I have seen reporters here, whose bylines you only see in the paper, hold back tears as they cover the stories associated with the tragedy. I have also read an array of columns submitted by those who write for this page wanting to express their emotions on this incident.

I have read some of the most beautiful poems submitted this week by students and people from the community. It struck a chord deep within their soul and they did not mind letting the rest of us hear it.

That might be one of the best things this week. People coming together to lean on one another. To share their feelings unmasked and unbiased in an attempt to bring comfort to the rest of us.

I want to encourage everyone to go to the memorial service today, even if you did not know anyone on that plane. But be there because I know everyone is in need of some healing right now and this is the best opportunity for it. If for no other reason than to lend support to other students.

I know the memories of this tragedy will be forever ingrained into our minds — but let us never forget to lean on our friends and community when suffering and above all — let us never forget the 10 people who lost their lives while making our school and community a better place in which to live and learn.