As most of us know, this past week was a turning point for our small UC Merced campus. To give a brief summary, this past Wednesday (November 4) morning, a first-year student went on a stabbing spree starting in his classroom and running as far as the Bridge we all have walked countless of times. Despite having bigger and more violent plans in mind, he only managed to injure two students, a school advisor, and a contractor. The student who caused this bitter series of events was shot after he tried confronting police, and passed away as a result of the wound. This week UC Merced has demonstrated that we are #BobcatStrong and we will not let these tragic events define our friendly and homey campus. This could not have been possible without the help of so many individuals working together as a community. I would like to extend a very special thank you to…

Chancellor Dorothy Leland

Our Chancellor worked countless of hours making sure our campus and community was always informed of the events that were happening. She sent countless emails during the week reminding us that we are not alone and to take advantage of counseling services offered on campus. She represented our school in a very professional manner during the many live press conferences, and answered the media's questions without once making our school look bad.

School Staff

Thank you to the DC workers who handled the rush of students that went to get free food with a smile on their faces and a "Have a great day." Thanks for purchasing more than 500 boxes of assorted Dominoes pizzas for students and staff. It was comforting knowing we were cared for. Thank you to professors and TAs for being so understanding and urging us to spend time with family and friends and rescheduling exams, homework assignments, and papers. Thank you to the counselors and advisors who offered their undivided attention and services to anyone who was feeling anxious or scared due to the tragedy that took place. Thank you to CatTracks bus drivers for being so patient waiting for people to drive them off campus during this hectic event. Thank you to anyone else that made our students feel safe and cared for, including OSL, Student Affairs, and various clubs on campus.

Police Officers/Sherriff/Security

Anyone who helped keep us safe and had this under control in such a short amount of time, a very special thanks to you. As a campus, we are more than lucky to have you in charge of our safety. Thanks for offering to walk people to their classes and their car, and thank you for thinking of everything so the threat to our safety could last the least amount of time possible.

Mr. Byron Price and the three other victims

Thank you, Mr. Price, for being so responsible and brave and entering that classroom when you heard a commotion inside. Thank you for doing something and not letting fear take you over. Who knows what further damage would have been done if you hadn't entered that room? Even though we do not yet know the names of the three other victims, thank you for your bravery, and I'm sorry that you all had to go through this traumatic experience. Our most positive thoughts are with you, and we are wishing for your swift recovery.

ASUCM, our student representatives

According to Gabriel Hulbert, an ASUCM Senator, right after the tragedy took place, various student leaders accompanied by Assemblyman Adam Gray and City Councilman Mike Murphy gathered at a student's home to discuss how they should respond to this act of senseless violence. During this long meeting, ASUCM officials and other leaders started a Go Fund Me page to relieve the financial burden of the victims and their families. They also planned the Vigil for Friday, which was extremely successful. I applaud ASUCM for putting together that beautiful event that offered closure and comfort to so many students. ASUCM Senator Gabriel Hulbert mentioned that "The students of UC Merced could not have responded better to the tragedy that occurred on our campus...[and that] 2,500 people showing up[to the vigil] on Friday showed ASUCM and student leaders what team work, collaboration, and a sense of community could help us accomplish." Many ASUCM officials and students also offered to walk across the bridge with anyone who felt sad or alone. A million thanks to the student representatives, because we know you were affected by the tragic events as well, yet as the responsible leaders you are, you stayed strong for your school.

Merced Community

Thank you for the prayers and the example of how a community should act in the event of a crisis. We appreciate your support to our campus. My housemate, who was in class during the stabbing, was extremely shaken up, and decided to go to IHOP to eat breakfast with some friends. She mentioned to me that a Merced resident payed for their meal because he knew that they were having a bad day. Little things like this are what makes us such a strong community.

Our fellow colleges

From our sister UC campuses to schools in other states, other college campuses showed their solidarity and offered their support and love for UC Merced via social media. Fresno State was even nice enough to offer UC Merced free admission to their football game. Even though I did not attend, I know many of my fellow classmates and friends enjoyed this event, and it took their minds off things.

Students

Finally, thank you to UC Merced students, including alumni, parents, grad students, RAs and undergrad students. Never have I felt more proud of a group of people. I saw students offering rides free of charge to people's hometowns and the Amtrak station. I saw people offering prayers, words of comfort, their company, and beautiful pieces of artwork. Some offered their homes to those who couldn't get home or felt alone, and some even offered their cute pets to relieve anyone's stress. I saw alumni showing their Bobcat Pride from different schools and states and giving us words of wisdom. I even saw some parents showing their pride in the way we handled the situation. Thank you for showing your respect and compassion for the deceased and injured, and for defending our campus against some of the media's racist and insensitive comments. We are #bobcatstrong!

I am extremely proud of everyone. Your kind actions and words have brought tears to my eyes and have restored my faith in humanity. Thank you to everyone for making me and my fellow students feel safe and proud to be part of such a wonderful community. Stay safe and be strong, and remember to reach out to UC Merced counseling services if you need it: http://counseling.ucmerced.edu/crisis