A Year Later...

Many people will blog about the shootings at Virginia Tech. And for them, it's just an event; just a story in the news.

But for me, it's personal.

I am a Hokie. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 1991 after years of tears and hard work. Sure, I got frustrated with my professors and a few of my fellow students but I always loved the school and how we were pushed to do better for others...to serve others.

Last year, two days after the shooting, Ivan and drove back from New York and visited the campus. As an alumnus, I felt it was important to go home and help, even if it was to put my arms around someone or just give a handshake. I was concerned though...would our students leave in massive amounts or would they stay?

I was so pleased to see that many of the students stayed. Their parents were there, supporting their childrens' decision to stay at Tech while the national media swarmed our home with questions and accusations. Through it all, the family of Virginia Tech held it together.

I have never been so proud in my life as that moment, standing on the Drill Field and seeing other alumni and even other students help each other discuss their fears, aspirations, and concerns.

If I have learned anything in life it is that we can not dwell on the bad moments. We need to use those moments as well, momentum, to force us to acheive great things. And so, in the words of SGA President Adeel Khan:

Take time to remember the legacies, remember the dreams and remember the talent that our community has lost. I hope you are inspired to work harder to honor the 32. Share you talents with the world for the 32. Achieve your dreams for the 32. Be more compassionate, friendly and thoughtful for the 32. Be better, for the 32.