Tomorrow will be our first day back to classes. I will be returning to the very same class I sat in for four hours last Monday morning. All of our lives have changed since that day, but it has only made us stronger as students, brothers, sisters, friends, and as a community within the university.
Thankfully the media has been told to leave as of tomorrow. Although some will remain, that is not what we need on our first day back. VT is now a name known around the world. I have even had family in New York tell me how beautiful the campus is. However, media attention will not help us heal. In order for things to get back to normal we need to go on as we have in the past.
We will never forget the 32 people who lost their lives, but we will need to strive towards a future where we do not let this incident rule our lives. And I believe that we can do that. We have already started to do that.
This story will live on throughout the years. With every momentous event on campus will come the reliving of this tragic story, the first football game sports announcers will mention April 16, 2007, and on every anniversary we will continue to relive and remember. 32 people will never be forgotten. Each stone, for each person who died, placed on the drill field will hopefully never be removed and will come to be respected by all Hokies who come to the university after those who experienced this tragedy have graduated.
Candle Light Vigil
Massacre at Virginia Tech
A photo from the New York Post, which was taken during my class while the university was on lock down. Students were very worried and using all sources of communication to ensure that friends were safe and that family knew they themselves were okay.
A Strong Hokie Nation
Virginia Tech students, faculty and members of the community mourn this tragic event on the Drillfield in front of War Memorial Gym.
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