Yesterday was tougher than I expected it to be. I was able to watch and listen to some of the convocation online, and I thought that Governor Kaine and President Bush spoke very eloquently. What moved me the most was the stirring poem by Professor Giovanni and the impromptu “Let’s Go Hokies!” chant that followed. It brought tears to my eyes.
This has really affected more than I thought it would, and I guess that’s because I went to school there. This kind of thing isn’t supposed to happen in Blacksburg. I found out yesterday that a friend of mine was supposed to be in that German class in Norris Hall at 9 am, the one where only four people walked out with the rest either dead or injured. He started to leave for class, but for some reason just stayed home. Thank God you did, Brian.
It’s things such as that scenario that I keep thinking about. What would I have done if I would have been there? I’d like to think I would have tried to stop the guy, but the truth is I probably would have reacted as others did, turning over desks and barricading the door.
The media have really pissed me off during this whole ordeal with the constant questioning of the administration’s actions and timing after the first shooting. The truth is no one thinks anyone is capable of such horrific acts. It was great to see the students give Dr. Steger a standing ovation during the convocation. I hope they all know that the Hokie faithful stand behind them one hundred percent.