Editorial: Convocation brings hope to students
CT Editorial Board
April 18, 2007
The day after the deadliest shooting spree in United States history, Virginia Tech students, Blacksburg residents, and supporters from far and wide came out to pay tribute to the thirty-one fallen victims. At the core of the media spectacle, taking place in the humble town of Blacksburg, is a complete tragedy, affecting each and every one of us in our own ways. After the events of Monday, so many of us were left with feelings of helplessness, despair, unsure of who to turn to or how to grieve.
Yesterday's convocation gave people hope. In the midst of darkness and grief, we were brought together and given the choice to believe in the chance for healing and in the power of the Virginia Tech community. So much of this renewed faith in optimism is thanks to our leaders; local, state and national. The convocation was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum, but by 11 a.m., crowds lined the sidewalks of Washington Street, anxiously awaiting the start of something unforgettable. Cassell held the maximum capacity of 10,052 people, in addition to the extra seats lining the coliseum floor. The overflow of people who didn't fit into Cassell were brought to Lane Stadium and flocked to the field by the thousands, watching the presentations on the JumboTron.
Among the most distinguished of speakers at the convocation included Gov. Tim Kaine, President George Bush and distinguished professor, Nikki Giovanni. Kaine's speech was optimistic yet sympathetic, while President Bush's tone, message and delivery were impeccable. However, Nikki Giovanni stole the show, by allowing so many of us to feel hopeful, for the first time since Monday's tragedy. Giovanni's perfectly appropriate poem, written specifically in the wake of this tragedy, incited feelings of passion and resilience in the hearts of so many. Her poem, brought us together as one, and reminded us that, "We are Virginia Tech." Her heart-felt respect was evident, and her enthusiasm contagious. She raised her hands in the air, and spoke with fervor, deserving of the lasting standing ovation she received. The cheers and applause turned to a collective "Let's Go Hokies" chant, reminding us all of the magic that makes Virginia Tech great. We felt alive, we felt invincible. In the wake of such a tragedy, the convocation was a valuable step in beginning to accept and understand this terrible tragedy.
The visits of both Kaine and Bush provided us with stability and strength when facing unimaginable horror, and Giovanni proved herself an inspiration. There were other important aspects of yesterday's convocation including the comforting music provided by the whitey-tighties, and the Lord's prayer, recited in unison by nearly everyone present. President Bush's presence was overpowering, but Giovanni's poem was exactly what we as a campus community needed. She ended her poem with, "we will prevail, we will prevail we will prevail, we are Virginia Tech," an appropriate closing sentiment, and necessary acknowledgment in moving forward from this heartbreaking disaster.