As we watched the Cougar Marching Band members lead the singing of our alma mater, “Washington, My Washington,” on Wednesday in
front of the Cougar Pride statue near Martin Stadium, we were both moved to tears.
There are no words of comfort, no words of solace we can offer right now that will take away our individual or community pain.
When we lose someone, it hurts. It doesn’t make sense. It is hard to understand. It isn’t okay and it won’t be for some time.
We have lost too many of our Cougar family members recently.
As a university community, we must take the time to grieve. Grieving will look different for everyone. For some, this loss will
be a reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us. For others, it will be a painful reminder of a light that was extinguished
too soon. Some will find hope in a higher power. Others will know all too well what that kind of hopelessness and despair feels
like every day.
It is inevitable that we will also ask questions. Why? Could or should I have done more? These questions will never have answers,
at least not ones that will take away our pain. And that will be very hard for us to accept.
It is time, however, for us to ask questions of ourselves and our community. How are you doing? Is there anything I can do to help?
What do you need from me?
It is time to check in with those in our immediate circles. If you are still looking for a community here, let someone know. It is
time to reach out and
talk to someone if you are struggling. It is okay to
cry. It is okay to be angry. It is also okay to smile and chuckle at a fond memory. It is okay to say “I am not ready to talk about
how I am feeling yet.”
As President Schulz said on Wednesday, by leaning on each other for support,
we lift our collective spirits. ASWSU will be hosting a candlelight vigil in honor of Tyler Hilinski and all the Cougs we’ve lost,
this evening
Friday, January 19, at 7 p.m. at the Cougar Pride statue in front of Martin Stadium on the
WSU Pullman campus. There will be no formal program. There will be an opportunity to write condolence cards to the family.
Counseling staff and chaplains will also be available.
We will stand with one another, as Cougs and as a family, to mourn. As a community, we will say to one another, you matter.
You are loved. You are not alone. We are here.
Mary Jo Gonzales, Vice President
Student Affairs
Jordan Frost, President
ASWSU Pullman
