BYU-I students help others to help themselves
Students give condolences to Virginia Tech to help cope with tragedy
- posted: 24 Apr 2007
- scrollcampus@byui.edu
“What would we do? What would anyone do?” said Jud Miller, director of the Student Health Center. “No one really knows until that sort of thing hits.”
The Virginia Tech tragedy affected America in a harsh way. Last Friday, BYU‑Idaho students signed a book in the Manwaring Center to pay condolences to the campus, victims and survivors of the shooting.
The counseling center also sent an e-mail of support to the Virginia Tech counseling center. The Web site www.vt.edu has a list of all 32 victims of the shooting, a link to the memorial Web site where condolences can be paid to Virginia Tech and a small photo gallery. College campuses from around the world have commented on the tragedy and have sent their sympathies.
BYU‑I sent a link via e-mail to a site about the Virginia tragedy. This site has helpful tips for students dealing with difficult feelings. According to the Web site, students should seek out people who care about them and share their reactions and thoughts regarding what happened to help deal with the tragedy.
Reed Miller, director of the Counseling Center, said students should keep a balance in their lives after this emotionally drawing event. After the initial shock this tragedy caused, it is now important for them to “try to make it more positive now by coming together and supporting each other and by paying tribute to those who were killed,” Miller said.
Miller also said serving others is a good way to help. “Look for people who need encouragement or support and reach out to them. Sometimes you feel a little helpless about this horrible event that you can’t do anything about. Just help people that you come in contact with on a day-to-day basis.”
Students who need more help dealing with shock or depression from this traumatic event should contact the Counseling Center for more support. 
