Recently, a fraternity on Truman’s campus has lost two outstanding and beloved members. I did not know either of these men personally, but by all accounts they were loving, creative, unique, strong, and amazing people. This has been, I’m sure, and unimaginably hard time for their families, friends, and brothers especially. As we try to unite as a campus to help them through this time, we realize that none of us know what to say. Very few organizations as a whole have experienced this tragedy, and we do not know what to do to lessen your pain.

From one Truman student to another, from one young adult to another, even just from one human to another, I have so much that I want to say to all of you, but I do not know what words I could use to correctly express my sympathy, concern, and emotions. You are all so strong; your light of brotherhood, love for your organization, and all of its members shines across campus. Although I don’t know what to say to comfort you, I am amazed by the strength and dignity of your organization. You are some of the strongest people I have ever seen, and your strength is spread throughout the Truman campus.

More than anything else, I want you to know that your brothers, your friends, have made an impact on my life. I may not have known either of them personally, but they have changed me for the better. Firstly, you have shown me how to rely on my sisters. Your strength, your ability to hold each other up even when you personally feel like falling, it is amazing. I have always thought that I knew how to lean on my sisters. I have used them as my foundation and my rock before, but you have shown me that my organization family can be so much more than I ever imagined.

Secondly, you have reminded me to love my sisters with all my heart every day. In an organization of over one hundred women, we do not always all get along seamlessly. We have had scuffles, we have had hard times, we are not always the most perfect sisterhood, but through that all I will love my sisters. I will, unwaveringly, support them, care for them, be there for them, and love them unconditionally because of your brothers.

To the men of AKL, know that you, too, are part of our Truman family. You are unconditionally supported, loved, cherished, and cared for. We are all here for you. We will try our hardest to be there for anything you need; we will love you through all the hard times. Our Truman family is stronger than any of us really know, and together we can grow from this tragedy. We will remember and cherish those lost, and remember the love that we are surrounded by every day, choosing not to take those around us for granted for even a day. To Alex and Jake, know that you are loved and remembered, and that you have changed our world.