When Tragedy Strikes
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

When Tragedy Strikes

In small towns and colleges, people care about one another and I think that's why when a tragedy strikes, it hits so much harder.

25
When Tragedy Strikes
George Claxton

Nobody ever wants to see or hear about any tragic event, but the truth of the matter is that they still happen every day. Every day, something awful happens to someone, somewhere in the world. But when it's somewhere else in the world and not somewhere or someone that directly affects you, then it's easy to not pay that much attention to it. You can acknowledge that this bad thing has happened and feel sorry for whoever was affected, but at the end of the day, you'll be thankful that it wasn't you or anyone you know and then you'll move on with your life.

If you're from a small town, you know that when tragedy strikes, it affects everyone. In a small town, everyone knows everyone so even if you don't personally know whoever was directly affected, odds are that someone else that you're close to does.

If you go to a small college, you also know that when tragedy strikes, it affects everyone. At a small college, you know a good majority of the people that also attend the college, even if you're not friends or even if you don't know their name odds, are you've probably seen each other a couple hundred times walking around on campus or eating food in the dining hall.

When tragedy strikes, whether it's finding out someone from your hometown has died or finding out someone on your college campus has been diagnosed with cancer, it affects the lives of many people. When a tragedy strikes on small towns or colleges, everyone comes together in support. Finding out someone or their family member is really sick can take an emotional and mental toll on someone. Finding out about the death of a loved one or a friend can also add on to the distress. In small towns and colleges, people care about one another and I think that's why, when a tragedy strikes, it hits so much harder.

Recently, a tragedy struck my small college campus. The life of another student was lost only a couple hundred feet from where I live. I did not personally know this person, but that does not mean it did not affect me or any of the people around me.

Death is a sad and scary part of life. Generally speaking, as college students, we are supposed to be having the time of our lives. We feel as though we could live forever and that we're untouchable in so many situations. But that is not the case.

As much as I wish tragedies never had to happen, they do allow for a lot of self-reflection. The tragedy on my campus caused me to really look at my life, especially in the last week. I had been so concerned with my midterm grades and yes, school and grades are important, but what I get on my midterm for one course is not a life or death situation. It will not be a tragedy if I do not receive above a 90 on an exam. This week, I complained every single day because it was 70 degrees outside in October and the heat was on in my dorm. Is that annoying and ridiculous? Yes. But is it a tragic? No, not even close.

When a tragedy happens, it helps people realize everything that they take for granted, that they should not. It also gives people time to self-reflect and remind themselves what's really important to them and how it's important to not sweat the little things, especially if they're not going to matter in 5 years or even in 5 months. I hope someday tragedies will not have to happen in order for people to step back and realize what's valuable to them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57450
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37015
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958753
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190946
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments