This is not specifically regarding ethical concerns, but it is related to important considerations in pursuing a career in helping. As many of you know, today, April 16, 2008, is the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings. Many of us lost close friends, or even family members in this tragic event. Many more of us have been affected by the tragedy. I want to remember the victims of this tragedy and those hurt in the aftermath today. I also want to consider the tragedy of the assailant.
Though I am not one devoid of feelings of anger towards the pain this young man caused to many thousands of people, it has occurred to me on several occasions the tragedy of his own life. He was clearly in need of psychological services that he did not receive. Whether or not he recieved bad care, not enough care, or care too late, is debatable- but consider the mental state of someone to take his own life and the life of his classmates. In remembering Virginia Tech, I want us to feel empowered as counselors to see a need for change. I want us to see our need in the community as mental health professionals. I want us to take our roles seriously, recognizing the power of the human mind (cognitively and physiologically). We are an important wave of the future. We are needed, we are necessary; we matter.
Just some motivation to help students get through the stressful end of the semester.
Please take a moment today in memory of those who were lost.
