Virginia Tech and the New Definition of Community

We are going to stray from the norm on today's post because something much more important than workplace issues has occurred.

Since hearing about the unbelievable massacre at Virginia Tech yesterday afternoon I have literally felt sick to my stomach. I don't think I realized it until right now, but all the talk of this horrific act of violence has dramatically altered my mood. To think that someone could open fire on innocent classmates boggles my mind. It just doesn't make sense. I guess there is no reason to even try and make sense of the situation, because a rational human being could never understand what was going on inside the head of someone sick and twisted enough to gun down 30 people.

Tragedies like this tend to put things in perspective. Life is a precious thing and should never be taken for granted. One day you are about to graduate from college and dive head first into the real world, the next day you are laying in a casket while not only your friends and family, but the nation, mourns your death. April 16, 2007 was a terrible day that will never be forgotten.

The aftermath of tragedies often bring out the best in people. I already see this happening. The students of Virginia Tech will rally behind each other to create a wonderful caring community that will never forget, but will overcome this tragedy, together. I am absolutely amazed at the outpour of support and the communal bonds that this tragedy is creating. The multitude of Facebook pages created to honor the lives of the fallen and to help the families is mind blowing.

I now understand why our generation truly is different and how we will change things. It is not because we are special and it is not because we think that much differently then our parents or our grandparents. It is because of technology and the new definition of community that this technology has created. We have the power to share our thoughts, feelings and goals with everyone, unrestricted by geographical limitations. When Columbine occurred we did not have this community. Young people mourned throughout the country, but we were still somewhat isolated and disconnected. Today, social networking sites, blogs and cell phones provide us with the opportunity to share our feelings, mourn, and eventually overcome, as a community.

As terrible as this incident is, I can't help but to think, this will be a turning point that will eventually define the legacy our generation leaves. Think about what can be achieved if everyone bands together and sets up social networking pages dedicated to ending the global warming epidemic or funding cancer research. With enough support from the community, these simple pages can turn into all out non-profit research centers, or hospitals or whatever other crazy ideas come from the MILLIONS of people involved. Nearly everyone in our generation is a part of this online global community, if we use this wonderful resource for the greater good, like I see us doing in the wake of this tragedy, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's families, and the Virginia Tech students, faculty, and alumni.