Hokie Spirit

My heart goes out to those that have been affected by the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, to those both directly and indirectly. My words may offer little consolation, but know that the human spirit goes on. To those walking away from this, I can say that you have been changed forever. No question there. Just decide what it means to you. Thoughts and feelings are things. The energy created by those things can be focused and molded to make a positive or negative change in the world. Choose wisely.

There are no bad emotions. It's ok to cry, to be angry, to be frustrated. It's ok to yell, scream, curse, and lament. Those actions release the pressure. But never lose sight of those around you. Take a look around. See the faces of those others affected. Be with them, share with them, hold them close and let those feelings fly.

Easier said than done, I'm sure.


It's been several days now, and fingers are already being pointed. Stop it. "What if's" solve nothing. What has happened, happened. There was no way to predict human nature. Our biggest strength is our biggest weakness.

My advice: Take what has happened, and become a better person. Anger and recrimination solve nothing. Fear and anger root you. Make a difference. As harsh as it sounds, something like this will happen again. But you are strong. Take those feelings and change the world.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
-Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)