I don’t know what to say either. It’s just awful.

I attended New Mexico Tech 1989-1995. Now, ordinarily this would have no relevance, save for a few things. First, they’re both tech schools. Second, we’re equally as removed from our campus, chronologically. Third, we both had fond memories of our campus. However, there was no shooting at my campus, so how could I possibly relate. And I dare not imagine how I would feel if there were — several of my friends still work on the campus, even after all this time. And I have family in the town now. It’s a very small town (8k-10k, depending on time of year :P), and everyone knows everyone after a while.

Columbine Highschool is a short distance from my house. I was just arriving in Australia for the first time (on a trip for work) when it happened. I was out of sorts already, from the long trip and the foreign land — seeing that on the news made it all the stranger. “Why is my home town on international news?” “OMFG”

For what it’s worth, Columbine is still Columbine. Life returned to relative normal there, in time. It seems like a mere flash in hindsight. I vaguely remember the news report of the cafeteria being reopened (it was boarded shut for a year, if I remember right). There are, of course, annual observances.

Some scars never fully heal.

err that should have read that I find it weird that I’m glad I have two cops in my class!

I caught myself reflecting yesterday that I was no longer annoyed that all of our classroom doors lock automatically now and you need a passcode to get in them. I’m glad. And I find it weird that I’ve got two giant cops in my class.

I keep imagining what would happen here if something similar happened. My building is right in the center, and all of the academic ones are a stone’s throw away.

As an administrator, particularly one whose focus is on students, it’s really hard to imagine something like this happening to YOUR students. And believe it or not, at least at this college, I’ve found it really hard to not get attached to them– both individually and taken as the student body as a whole.

We’re here to provide a safe haven for learning; a bubble if you will. You’re supposed to be safe. You’re supposed to be cared for and protected; at least as protected as you can be in the big bad world. Parents trust us with their kids. Students trust us with themselves.

We’re undergoing a policy review here too, as well.

I’m sorry, and I wanted to let you know that I understand what you mean, too.

Half a dozen emails from various University officials, including one from the Chancellor promising to “review” security procedures in “light” of the “tragedy” at VT.

I think anyone that works on a University in some capacity has taken pause to reflect on VT. I know I have.

Don’t worry too much.. UT-Austin got over Whitman’s rampage. Its part of the University’s history now, but the school is quite “normal”. Life goes on.

And I miss you as well. I thought of you and Tracie and all of my friends from Tech yesterday. I hope you’re doing OK.