Just arrived

By: Pat Shaver

In a spur of the moment decision, a group of Iowa State Daily reporters/photographers drove to DeKalb, Illinois to cover the effects of the shooting that took place on Feb. 14.

It is not often that news like this happens, especially news that directly affects college students. As student journalists, we are constantly learning. We have to throw ourselves into situations and learn as we go. Having the opportunity to cover a major news event is something that we will all remember for a very long time.

We rushed out of Ames at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, hoping to make it to DeKalb in time for the 9 p.m. vigil in remberence ceremony. Of course, we didn't make it quite on time.

When we arrived in DeKalb, the small college town seemed vacant. As we drove closer to campus we saw police sirens, news vans and people walking to and from a building. We continued driving and saw a candlelight vigil in front of the Homes Student Center.

Athough we missed the official vigil in rememberence, there was plenty more to see outside the building.

All around the Homes Student Center, there were five memorials. Four had candles and signs and one was a large board where people could write down their thoughts.

"An eye for an eye will make the world blind," one note read. Some of the notes expressed extreme sorrow, and others stressed unity among the community.

The other vigils had people crowded around them. Some people were taking pictures, others were comforting friends to their side. One thing is for sure though, it is amazing to see how such a horrible event can really bring a community together.

Watching the Northern Star's Web site throughout this process has also been extremely motivating. As journalists, they are really doing their jobs well. They have information that is relevent to NIU students, but also interesting to people from outside DeKalb.

Check back throughout the day on Saturday for updated coverage.