Strozier Shooting Hits Two-Year Anniversary

By Vivian El-Salawy on November 20, 2016

Today, November 20th, 2016, marks the two-year anniversary of the shooting in Strozier Library at Florida State University.

On November 20th, 2014 – I had a heavy load of chemistry homework and an overwhelming amount of pre-calculus questions to answer for Thursday morning, but I decided to cut myself a break and watch an episode of American Horror Story with some of my best friends.

The irony of American Horror Story potentially saving my life is still something I will never get over.  The irony of an English book saving another fellow students life, is real, and something that he will likely never get over.

Images via Jason Derfuss

Two years later, it is more important to remember not the terror that was brought onto the studious individuals in that library on a late Wednesday night, but the love and support that followed after.

That night, I received numerous messages from family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers asking if I was okay. They asked if my friends were alright or if I knew anybody in there.

Image via Facebook

Florida State University provided various support systems through their University Counseling Center, as well as other on-campus resources.

I remember walking to my pre-calculus class the next morning. My rushed walk was more sluggish, and while I expected the environment on campus to be glum, to my surprise – it was just the opposite.

I remember a stranger walking up to me with a small, yellow flower. “Here, I hope you have a great day,” they said. I asked what they were advertising for and they said nothing. They genuinely wished for me to have a great day.

I remember my band director asking the Marching Chiefs for numbers to see how many of us would be able to perform at the candlelight vigil that took place at the Integration Statue.  If I didn’t tell you that almost all 420 members were voluntarily there, I would be lying. Mind you, those 420 members didn’t even compare to the number of students, faculty, and staff that showed up with nothing but warmth in their heart for one another.

Image via Facebook

I remember being scared and flooded with confusing messages.  I remember not wanting to go back to my own dorm, which was less than a mile away from the site of the shooting.  But more than anything, I remember how warm it felt that day – to look at a stranger that held a candle up to the statue while the notes of the hymn reflected off of it.  To be able to look at all of the strangers that came that day and think of them as family.

Image via Facebook

On November 20th, 2014, Florida State University meant unity. Today, it remains as such.

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