US News
VA Tech Attempts Normalcy amidst Grief
By John Jessup
CBN News
April 23, 2007
CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON - A moment of silence was observed this morning by both students and faculty at Virginia tech - first at 7:15 for Seung-Hui Cho's first two victims, Ryan Clark and Emily Hilscher.
And then at 9:45 another memorial was held for all 32 victims.
Back to Class
After a week of reeling through the painful events, thousands of students are back in Blacksburg, having made the difficult decision to return to Virginia Tech.
"I thought it would be kind of nerve wracking probably, but Tech is kind of one of these places where you feel at home at. I think that's the feeling I want to be with, with this school," said student Sara Lichtenstein."
For many it's about closure.
"I feel ready, but it's not going to be the same as it was before," said Virginia Tech student Stephanie Daly. "Everyone will be feeling a little bit different and not really wanting to be there, but I think it is time for us."
Campus officials don't yet have a firm count on how many are returning, but what they do know is that it will be difficult for students to balance their academic workload while dealing with the emotional toll.
So the school is allowing students to drop classes without penalty or accept their current grades if they choose not to come back.
Weekend Memorials
Over the weekend, several memorials were held to honor the shooting victims, including freshman biology major Rachel Hill.
Her high school administrator says she saw herself as needing to lean on her savior.
Rachael's friends saw her as someone they could lean on.
"Rachael has always been there for me," one friend said. " doesn't matter when I call - day or night."
And then there was 20-year old Nicole White, remembered by her pastor as always helping people.
"She knew that in her actions and everything she did," her pastor said.
Media Asked to Leave
Security is still high as authorities try to wrap up their investigation on Cho.
Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell said, "We're trying to rule out if there was any assistance, but every indication is that this madman Cho was alone."
As classes resume, Virginia Tech's student government association is asking the media to leave so campus can get back to normal, and for the community to start their healing.
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