Uncertainty and fear are only two words that can be used to describe the tragedies that occurred last Tuesday morning. The response to the tragedies has been tremendous, both on-campus and nationwide-individuals gave blood, donated money, went to New York City for the weekend. One student, Molly Williams '02, made awareness ribbons for the students and College staff.

"I was inspired to make the ribbons because I wasn't able to give blood at the time, and I remembered Oklahoma City," said Williams. "I thought it was something people on campus could do-wear a ribbon, that is-to show their support for the victims and for those who were waiting to hear from their families … Making and distributing the blue ribbons was the best way I could think of to keep my thoughts in the right place."

Williams, alongside Ania Wieckowski '03 and Susan Kim '03, has been tabling and making ribbons since Thursday, with help from other students. The color blue was chosen by Williams because it represents hope.

"In the wake of such a terrible loss, I felt that the most important thing was to remain hopeful, and to encourage others to remain hopeful. There are miraculous stories of survival and of people just now contacting their families to say they're alright, and I want to believe there will be more of these stories," said Williams. "We are headed for very uncertain times, and the best way to avoid getting caught up in the hatred and anger is to lean on faith and love."

The response to the ribbons has been far-reaching-Williams made 900 last week and is making 800 more for this week. "I have been overwhelmingly amazed by the ability of students to come together and grieve together, to be respectful of one another's opinions and reactions, and to create a space in which everyone's response is heard, considered, and validated," she said. Many on campus appreciated Williams' initiative, sporting ribbons on their shirts, backpacks and pants.

"It was a way to show that it was on all of our minds this week, that we were sending our best wishes to everyone hurt by this attack," said Tom Scott-Craig '04. At a time when students on-campus struggled to find a response to Tuesday's tragedy, the ribbons helped all of us cope and contribute one of the most important offerings we could give: our hope.

Everyone has been doing his or her part to help out. Resident counselors (RCs) tabled on Friday, collecting money for relief funds and distributing information about resources and ways that people could help victims and their families. Students also had the opportunity to make cards for relief workers.

Many have also noticed the string of ribbons lining the pathway to the Campus Center and the heartfelt statements that covered its front walls. "We felt that students needed an outlet to process their emotions and to reflect as a community-not just by yourself, not just by going to a counselor or talking to your RC or going to a dean," said Lisa Friscia '02, a Student Health Educator. "We wanted something more communal."

The Student Health Educators started the memorial last Thursday for students to express themselves about last week's tragedy. "It was therapeutic just creating it, the best thing I could do to tangibly help other people," said Friscia. A sign at the memorial read: "This is not a political statement. This is merely a place to pause, reflect and mourn. Please be respectful."

"We wanted to steer away from the politics of everything," said Friscia. Ribbon, scissors and colored markers were at the Campus Center entrance for anyone who wanted to add a message or tie a ribbon. Friscia said, "From what I hear, people really think it's moving and wonderful and what we need."