|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:57 pm
I know that some of you here on the Guild have been affected by the Virginia Tech shooting. It was shocking and horrible.
Since this subject got raised on another thread - one that it perhaps doesn't really go very well in - I thought it deserved it's own place. Feel free to post your thoughts or condolences here. I know I'm horrified by the whole thing. And a little scared to be honest. Let's hope it never, ever happens again.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:02 pm
A few thoughts from members so far: Eirwyn I'd have to say what happened today at VA Tech is enough to make most anyone SCREAM "WTF???!!!" gonk :X Hairy Priest Ya wonder what drives some psycho to go around blowing random people away and then shooting himself. Why not just shoot yourself first and be done with it? Eirwyn REALLY! :X
One of our members had a son on that campus that day. He's OK, but she's pretty frazzled right now. Won't say who so if she doesn't want to talk here about it she doesn't have to. But according to her the news is is trying to make it sound like the campus didn't respond adequately & are not telling all the facts. She knows because her son was there. Rhiannon2006 Thanks, Eirwyn and Hairy. I'm very thankful and relieved that my son and his best friend are both safe. The Virginia Tech today is now being swarmed by the media circus which is no longer interested in the facts, but rather looking for scapegoats (where there are none) and intruding on the grieving campus which wants privacy in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. The media is not reporting the story accurately. They are ignoring the vast numbers of students who believe the campus and police did everything within their power and resources to deal with the situation at the time. Keep this campus and its surrounding town of Blacksburg in your thoughts, hearts, and prayers while they struggle through this terrible time. As a mom of a VT student, I thank you all for your support. seffy_chan eek I hope everything stays ok. Roobarb My friend's friend stays in the building opposite the one that it all started in... I'm glad for my friend's sake that he's ok. And your son too Rhiannon. I don't know about the news in America but the news in Britain seems just to not be taking it that deeply. I don't mean it's not taking it seriously... but... I dunno, it's weird. It's a bit like September the 11th - it just doesn't sink in as your watching/listening to it. It is even worse than Columbine - and that is a terrifying thought! Rhiannon2006 Thanks, seffy and Roobarb! And I can understand what you're saying, Roobarb. This seems so surreal. But when the reality of the tragedy sinks in, you're numb, in total disbelief of the scope of the situation. Then the heartbreak and tears quickly follow. I got to hug my son when he got home last night. A simple gesture but now a precious act which many families have lost forever. He got home last night after staying for the campus memorial service which was quite moving. It ended with Dr. Nikki Giovanni's closing words which were a beginning step in the very long healing process for the university. For anyone interested, this is the link of her transcript. It's not long but worth the read. http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/giovanni_transcript.phpYour continued thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. isidar_mithram The news on it in Aus here blew it out of proportion a little. I remember listening to the radio, and hearing the presenter asking if our schools were turning American..I don't know. But yeah, a lot of the media says the campus didn't alert people soon enough. It gets very frustrating, when they so blantantly use emotive and persuasive language to the extreme. But, it's not too bad. September 11 was much worse, there was barely anything else on tv for a few days that followed, and it was still in articles for a week or two. Strangely enough, we're doing Issues in English, studying articles and so on, and examining them critically etc. I hope everything stays okay/gets better, and that the media decides to find something else to hound after. I will definently pray for the campus, students, and the people living in that area. smile Rhiannon2006 Thanks, Isidar! Your post, as well as those of everyone here and in other threads, is a fine example of the outpouring of support and caring that the folks at VT need to get through and rise above this tragic event. Thank you, all of you, again! heart
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:04 pm
I was shocked and horrified, and yeah, it's like hearing about 9-11 all over again...it didn't sink in until I saw it on the news over and over...
I live in VA, and I've heard about other places, like Columbine, and it's hard to believe it would happen to people I know, but it's crazy and it can happen.
All my school's alumni who go to VT have been accounted for, thank God, but a best friend of a senior was killed, and it's so awful, you really can't express it in words.
Why couldn't he have shot himself, and left everyone else alone?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:32 pm
I just learned about this yesterday. It's strange, I didn't have a TV during 9-11 either. It makes it easier in a way. At the same time I've got a "glad it wasn't me" mentallity showing up that I'm rather ashamed of. It could easily have been my campus. There are mentally damaged individuals everywhere. My thoughts and prayers are with the people and families who were affected by this tragedy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:39 pm
its weird, because with stress and everything, I've been feeling really down...even when theres no reason I feel sick, and upset, and tierd, and I think it might have something to do with this. What happened was terrible, and I want to know what made Cho do the things he did. What was going through his head? Anyways, I think all this bad news is affecting me in some way. I haven't been my happiest lately....The same thing happens every time theres a disaster that gets alot of hype. I don't really think about it, but I start getting really sad and upset about little things. This incedent has probably affected lots of people in the same way. Humans are very empathetic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:23 am
It was shocking and horrible, I just don't understand how someone could ever do that, problems or no. I feel so sorry for the people who had to go through that, for those who were killed, and their families and friends...
Nothing big has happened in Aus that I know of, but just hearing about it... well... it obviously does happen.
If anyone here in the guild lost someone or knows someone who lost someone... I am really sorry... *hugs* cry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:27 am
I really want to thank all of you for your comments! And Roobarb for creating this topic!
Today (Friday, April 20) is Hokie Hope Day. Today the alumni at Virginia are asking folks to wear the school colors of orange and maroon in support of the school. In the aftermath of the events on Monday, April 16, never has this support meant more to this grieving campus.
I'm not asking you to wear maroon and orange, unless you feel so inclined. I am asking that you continue to focus your thoughts, hearts, and prayers on the people of Virginia Tech (today and especially on Monday, April 23, when the students return to campus). I know you are or have probably been doing this but every bit of support is appreciated.
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:07 pm
Freaj It was shocking and horrible, I just don't understand how someone could ever do that, problems or no. I feel so sorry for the people who had to go through that, for those who were killed, and their families and friends... Nothing big has happened in Aus that I know of, but just hearing about it... well... it obviously does happen. If anyone here in the guild lost someone or knows someone who lost someone... I am really sorry... *hugs* cry *hugs back* Yeah. And the press is going on and on about it, trying to find a scapegoat when there is none, and then going on this thing about how he was picked on and shy and such, like we should feel sorry for this poor little innocent kid.... He killed over what, 30 people?!?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:51 pm
I agree with you, Ceribri. Everytime the media airs something more on this shooter, it allows him to rise once more from the grave and further haunt the victims' families, the survivors, and everyone else at VT.
During the week my son was at home and also at the home of his fiancee and her family, his professors and other VT adminstrators (from the Provost, Dean of Engineering, faculty advisor, and Counseling Center) sent him and his other classmates multiple e-mails, trying to give them encouragement, not worry about their academics, but to focus on their emotional, mental and physical health.
He returned to VT Sunday evening and yesterday's first day of classes went as best as could be expected. All the professors outlined the university's many options to best help the students to complete the semester. All the professors are also meeting with each student individually to help them with this decision. He did say most of the classes were abbreviated as many of his engineering profs are also still grieving for lost colleagues and students. But everyone seems determined to go forward. It's a good step towards recovery.
I'm going to VT tomorrow to eat dinner with Kevin as we had planned to do before all this happened. He's invited a few friends to join us, one of which knew one of the victims. He said she could use a good meal and a good hug, both of which I'm more than happy to give. She'll be the second student I've met that knew a victim and with whom I got to share a hug and tears.
Again, many thanks to everyone here for your continued thoughts and prayers for VT!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:39 pm
Rhiannon2006 I agree with you, Ceribri. Everytime the media airs something more on this shooter, it allows him to rise once more from the grave and further haunt the victims' families, the survivors, and everyone else at VT. During the week my son was at home and also at the home of his fiancee and her family, his professors and other VT adminstrators (from the Provost, Dean of Engineering, faculty advisor, and Counseling Center) sent him and his other classmates multiple e-mails, trying to give them encouragement, not worry about their academics, but to focus on their emotional, mental and physical health. He returned to VT Sunday evening and yesterday's first day of classes went as best as could be expected. All the professors outlined the university's many options to best help the students to complete the semester. All the professors are also meeting with each student individually to help them with this decision. He did say most of the classes were abbreviated as many of his engineering profs are also still grieving for lost colleagues and students. But everyone seems determined to go forward. It's a good step towards recovery. I'm going to VT tomorrow to eat dinner with Kevin as we had planned to do before all this happened. He's invited a few friends to join us, one of which knew one of the victims. He said she could use a good meal and a good hug, both of which I'm more than happy to give. She'll be the second student I've met that knew a victim and with whom I got to share a hug and tears. Again, many thanks to everyone here for your continued thoughts and prayers for VT! Thanks. I want them to get to the bottom of it, believe me, but now it's just like putting fuel on the fire in the middle of the summer. They just wanna get more media coverage from every little detail, when all the victims' friends/family want to do is be able to mourn their loss of a loved one without having all this on the news day after day. And then continue life but not have this brought up every time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:44 pm
I saw someone in the AvA Subforum over at GCD with a VT tribute sig to a teacher who gave his life to save his students.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 6:28 am
I weep for all the victims, but I can't say that I was shocked about the attacks. I guess that I've been hardened by too many similar situations.
the part that shocked me actually was a comment on PostSecret about how we can't trust Asians anymore. That made my head explode just a lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:37 am
That person is obviously a bigot. :XP:
If we go by psychos, I guess white people certainly can't be trusted then because we've had plenty of them.
You just can't go by one crazy person's actions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:29 am
Eirwyn That person is obviously a bigot. :XP:
If we go by psychos, I guess white people certainly can't be trusted then because we've had plenty of them.
You just can't go by one crazy person's actions. Oh joy... Since I'm in VA, I think we get a bit more crazy media-wise. Now some of the magazines and stuff at the store is taking it from a new angle...how the shooter had a secret love life with another guy. stressed WTF?? I'm really getting annoyed by all of this..... mad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:20 pm
gonk What does that have to do with anything??? Idiots! Next the tabloids will tell us he was bigfoot's love child or programmed by space aliens I suppose to get THEIR chunk of cash from the voyeurists!
Even History Channel jumped in & rushed a documentary out--it was on Thursday night. I forgot to watch. Doubt I missed anything.
At least I can turn on a news channel & not see stuff about VT now--seems to be some guy they're all over now, so it's distracting the media from VT.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
