Moorpark College mourned the 58 lives lost in the tragic shooting in Las Vegas during a solemn vigil at the flagpole.
The catastrophe left the nation devastated and Moorpark College was no exception.
“Not only does this event give us feelings of grief, shock and fear, but a responsibility to share their [the victims’] stories, unite as a country, and provide safety to our people,” said Associated Students President Payton Robinson, in a statement made at the vigil. “Moorpark College will never forget this tragedy, and shall continue each year to remember this event.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 11, students, staff and faculty gathered at the flagpole outside of Fountain Hall for a half-hour ceremony in remembrance of the victims, survivors and first responders of the attack at the Las Vegas Strip earlier this month. While dignified members of the college gave their remarks on how to move forward, observers expressed their condolences and learned how to deal with tragedy.
The observance began with an address from Moorpark College President Luis Sanchez, who recited a portion of Robert F Kennedy’s “Day of Affirmation” speech to the National Union of South African Students, this time echoing Kennedy’s words of hope and unity to a new distraught people.
“We can perhaps remember — even if only for a time — that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek — as we do — nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can,” said Sanchez.
Coordinator of Student Health Services Sharon Manakas spoke next, illustrating how deeply the campus was affected and reassuring those present that grief is expected and that healing is readily available.
“Arriving at work that morning was an email, the first of many, from an instructor letting me know that one of her students was a survivor of the shooting and she couldn’t come to class this week,” said Manakas. “When tragedy like this happens, we want to know why, so we can make sense out of it all. The reality is that there is no sense in a mass shooting.”
She encouraged everyone to check up on each other and acknowledge “that ‘normal’ may not exist for days or weeks.” These sentiments were supplemented with a handout titled “Healing After Trauma” which described common symptoms of trauma for those affected, directly or indirectly, by the shooting, including feeling unsafe, numb, angry, guilty or stressed.
Each and every victim of the attack had a story. Likewise, everyone in attendance brought their own life experiences and took with them a unique perspective. Abigail Clarke, 20, EATM major, had her own reasons for attending the vigil.
“I lost someone this year and I know what it’s like to go through loss,” said Clarke. “I came here to remember the people who were brave and the lives that were lost.”
After the speeches, 58 balloons, representing each of the lives that were lost, were distributed to onlookers. Markers were also available for attendees to write condolences on the balloons. In a final gesture of remembrance, attendees released the balloons into the Santa Ana winds.
If you feel emotionally affected by the shooting and are looking for relief, stop by the health office in the administration building or call the office at 805-378-1413.
