As I’m writing this, I have my headphones on, and I’m listening to NPR following along with the events as they unfold in Boston. I have a few students and friends from the area, so of course it’s a personal interest, but it’s also a professional interest because as students who hail from Boston are dealing with the terror from afar. We need to be aware of the goings on to be able to support students.

Crisis impacts lives daily – and we are challenged with responding to issues no matter how close or how far they are from the Hilltop. We are challenged to find meaningful ways to console those that are worried, be responsive to questions about support after hours, and show that we are there for students. I’m not surprised to see students responding to each other in FB or on twitter, providing support via #hashtags and reaching out to friends from the 617.  I think it’s a sign of a community is aware of each other’s needs and issues and responding in kind. It’s the kind of thing that makes USF a special place.

The reality is that students come to USF from all over the United States, and whatever happens abroad happens here.  It would behoove any of us who work with students to be aware of the lives of our students and where they are from to get a better clue on how to support students in times of need such as this one. We have to be nimble in our responses, kind in our words, and exercise being Men and Women for others, not just on days like this, but all days.

And imagine if the world was the same.

Charlene