Last week and every other week after will not feel the same in our campus community. It’s important we all remember to be understanding while we all are grieving.

I know I write advice each week. Some people take it while others ignore it. But the only questions asked this time around were about the grieving process and how to make the pain go away. What helps people can vary greatly, but it’s important to remember that it is OK to work through these feelings and try to grieve properly.

It is important that everyone knows, no matter how bad things get, people are in your corner who will help you get through your struggles and be by your side. No matter how alone you feel at times, the best thing you can do is remind yourself that you aren’t. Reaching out may feel scary, but it is better than what isolation can bring.

I could recap the grief cycle that we all learn in middle school, but if you read this, you are not doing it to have the same information regurgitated back at you. I would rather emphasize the point that what you are feeling, no matter how much or how little, is completely acceptable. Some people may be pushing for you to share the same process that they are taking to heal, but everyone needs to grieve in their own way. It is important to focus on your own mental health after these kinds of situations.

For the people who are angry with the way this was handled by the school, know you are not alone in your discontentment. The school most likely did this following guidelines that may make no sense, and they might have missed some sensitivity. We cannot change the way things were handled. The best we can do is make sure things are being handled better from now on.

I want to make sure everyone is getting the mental health help they need during this time and checking on the people they love. I know some people have found the school’s services inadequate and lacking so I personally recommend reaching out to the Resolve Crisis Center, a licensed therapist or someone who can help you get to the place you need to be mentally to keep going. Friends and family can do this, and then some, for you.

Try to clear your schedule, make time for people you love and take good care of both your mental and physical health. This pain is hard to handle, but every day we keep moving, the less painful it becomes until all that’s left are the good memories. This is what we should strive to keep alive.

I know not all of us like each other or want to be friends, but remember, if you need someone there will always be someone there for you. If anyone ever feels lost, helpless or scared, just email me. I can be here to listen or I can help you find someone who will be able to provide professional help. There are always more options.

I want you all to remember that you are loved, even if you do not feel like it. Remember, I love you. You are valued and important no matter how much you may sometimes feel otherwise.

Do you need some advice? Are people in your life too indecisive? 

Do you need a new point of view?

Just email me at [email protected].