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Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University tragedies. When will this trend stop?

Today, as I was sitting in my last class at kishwaukee College, I was notified in a text message that our neighboring campus: Northern Illinois University had been the target of yet another school shooter. I was so shocked that I blurted out the mesage to my class. Many student left immediately, other just sat there in shock.

It is hard to describe the differing emotions that are experiences upon hearing such news. I remember the exact moment I heard of other school shootings at Virginia Tech and Columbine High School. Even so, the feeling cannot be compared to an event so close to home. What if there was someone I knew in there? What is going to happen on my campus? As a million thoughts bombarded my brain, it was just too much. I could not believe my instructor who just continued lecturing. He having many ties to the campus was visibly numbed and in shock.
Finally after getting home tonight, I was greeted by the horrible news of 6 fatalities and 16 others who were wounded. Even at this moment I am not sure who the victims-or the shooter was. There is no peace for anyone. We just sit here patiently frightened. My palms are sweaty, my knees are weak, and my heart is sore. There is no sense in these shootings. They must be stopped.
While it may seem a bit twisted, I feel for the shooter. I cannot fathom what could lead a person to such horrible actions. There are alot of people in this world who are hurting, and I just wonder what would have happened if someone would reach out to those in such desperation. We are so consumed by our own circumstances that we seldom realize the world around us. I believe the only way to stop such violent acts is through love and understanding of others.
I do not in any way condone the horrible acts which have taken place today and in the past. However, I do believe increased tolerance, respect, and understanding could prevent future tragedies. May God bless all those who have to experience such a tragedy, and may he capture the hearts and minds of our nation preventing future tragedies.

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