Life is not fair

Tayler Reviere Verninas | Arts and Culture Editor | The USD Vista

I am so frustrated because life is not fair.  No, I don’t mean fair in the sense that I could not go out this weekend because I had too much homework, I mean fair as in unjust. Every moment, all around the world, events occur that seem so wrong, I get goosebumps just thinking about the innocent lives lost.

The shooting in Oregon this past week, took place on a college campus; a campus inhibited by young, intellectual minds gaining knowledge within their classes.  A campus much like the one we walk on everyday.

There were two aspects that struck me from this traumatic event. I was horrified to read how hose who claimed to be Christian were shot in the head and those who did not answer or were not Christian were shot in the leg.

What shocked me the most from reading this was how powerfully faithful these Christians were in order to admit to something that resulted in their death.  The fact that someone, regardless of the situation they were facing in that moment, was willing to die in the name of their savior is unbelievably beautiful, yet unfathomable to me.

As a Catholic, my whole purpose of living is to glorify God. However, if I am faced with a moment in life such as the one in which these people faced, would I be just as willing to say yes? Would my faith be so strong in that exact moment to know that I would not denounce the one identity that I believe is the most important to hold? It is a scary thought, yet questioning it makes my feelings grow even stronger for the beauty of faith and spirituality.

An issue that struck me was the mentality of the shooter.  The 26-year-old was described by neighbors as an unfriendly guy who seemed to want nothing to do with the community.  Of course his mental state was seriously affected, but what I wonder is where were the people who could have helped him?

When we encounter people who shut us out or refuse to acknowledge our existence, we may automatically disregard them because they have no intention of wanting to get to know us or be involved within our community.   

The shooter’s actions are in no way justified. What he did was wrong and the effects of his actions will continue to affect the lives of the Umpqua community. Tragic stories such as these can give many of us goosebumps, especially as college students who cannot fathom the possibility of this happening on our own campus.

But what can we do as individuals in our community to make sure that everyone is appreciated with compassion and empathy? Whatever small thing it is, we must be mindful of how our little actions can go such a long way.  Maybe we can help in a way that will prevent any tragedy.