Virginia Tech brings the past painfully to the present
I am deeply saddened by the deaths of those students in Virginia who are just like us, but I am also frightened of what this tragedy's political use could mean for our schools and our country.
Gun control, safety versus freedom, violence in entertainment, Marilyn Manson ... let's not forget the lessons of the past in dealing with this new issue.
Mike Chichester
SOPHOMORE
Shootings highlight need for awareness of mental health programs
What a sad day for our country and a sad day for students everywhere. Although the details of the shooting this morning at Virginia Tech are still fuzzy, one thing is clear - every campus is in danger.
We have come to regard our universities as safe havens, a place where you can enjoy the birds chirping in the courtyard while contemplating homework assignments and term papers due.
For me, college has become a welcomed lull in my life; it's the last stop before stepping foot into the real, and sometimes very ugly, world.
I've come to see my school as a home away from home and not one time have I ever stepped foot into my class room with the thought of never making it out alive.
One thing is clear, students need on-campus mental health resources and they need to be well aware that these resources exist. Mental health resources seem to be so taboo and there seems to be an underlying stigma attached with seeking out mental health providers.
School is difficult and some people aren't used to balancing school with relationships, jobs and outside influences; these are the kind of people that shoot 32 fellow students and teachers.
This didn't have to happen, and I hope for all my fellow students' and teachers' sakes, and for the sake of education, that this serves as a big warning signal to all universities throughout the country.
Adrienne Leyland
SENIOR
Newman Center Residence Hall good for ASU, Tempe
I was thrilled to read in "Newman Center looks to the sky" that the Newman Center is making plans to build a residence hall.
Even though ASU's size can often be overwhelming, the Newman Center always welcomed me as part of a cohesive community during my time at ASU and, now, as an alumnus.
The expansion is also good for the city of Tempe. As a member of Tempe's Rental Housing Taskforce, I have seen the need to provide more student housing near ASU to cut down on traffic and students having to cram into off-campus housing.
I have seen firsthand how this community helps students deal with the stresses of student life and helps keep them going when other students might drop out.
A Newman Center residence hall would open up hundreds of beds within easy walking distance to campus.
I have always said that the Newman Center is many students' "home away from home," and if the planned residence hall is built, this will literally be true!
Ed Hermes
STUDENT REGENT
