Sam’s tips on return to normalcy, class
NIU returned to class today, February 25, 2008. This is one eyewitness’ perspective on how to cope with the return to class amidst so much raw emotion.
By Sam Brunell
A reporter’s return
As many may have noticed, there are fliers hanging everywhere on how to cope with the recent tragedy. Unfortunately, there aren’t many (luckily) who had to witness a school shooting. But troubled times and events often define our lives. We have to show strength during these moments.
Well, for me, being a witness and a target during the tragic moments. I have taken comfort in hearing from other survivors and am relaying some tips based on overcoming my recent swarm of stress.
How to cope…
1. Talk about it with people. Tell them your story, feelings, concerns, or whatever else you’re feeling. Try getting in contact with someone that can relate, even if that’s just a good listener. If you were in Geol104, you may only be able to relate to a classmate, if you were removed but still feel scared or threatened you likely are not alone.). Holding in emotion will make the healing process longer, and potentially dangerous.
2. If you are uncomfortable expressing feelings to a friend, family member, or counselor; write your emotions down. No one has to see what you write.
3. When experiencing anger, try going to the Rec or another gym and run on the track. The feeling of your feet hitting the hard ground is exhilarating. If feeling like punching a wall…DON’T! Trust me, you will only hurt yourself more. Grab some lighter weights and punch while standing in place. Be careful not to hurt your joints or others in your rage!
4. Chances are, you may have a loss of appetite. I did; and not eating only made things worse. Your body and organs cannot function without food. So for me to eat, I’d go to my favorite places and get my favorite meals. For example, for me it was soup from Panera. Comfort food is KEY! Think chocolate. 
5. Listen to some of your favorite music. My i-Tunes is almost always on. Make a play list of songs that make you cheerful or at least calm you down. I enjoy listening to music that suits my moods. I love Daughtry’s CD! He has songs to relate to any of my random moods.
6. Keep yourself busy. You don’t want to overwork yourself, but you also don’t need to sit around and mope. Why do you think I’m spending time doing this? Its an outlet- a distraction. Live life. Follow your passions.
7. If watching the news becomes depressing, turn the TV off! Luckily, things will eventually come up taking the spotlight of the media. I know I get freaked out whenever I see the picture of the gunman-hence why I keep the TV off! Oh, and if a reporter wants to interview you…you do have the ability to say NO. However; the media has good and bad apples, pay attention to the good articles or blogs.
8. Keep in mind that “lightening never strikes the same place twice”. It is my new motto. There are a lot more people looking out for your best interest than you realize. The NIU reaction was immense.
9. Most importantly…ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Take advantage of grieving groups, classmates, school mates, and websites like this one! Someone, or multiple people, feel the same as you do.. TRUST ME!
February 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I ate ice cream. We have to remember the things that make life great.
I lost a friend on New Year’s Eve and these recent losses make me realize that you have to live life to the fullest.
Good job on Fox News tonight Sam.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
we need something positive to come out of this experience. I support initiating a program across all Illinois campus settings urging roommates, friends, relatives, whoever to report whenever a student or faculty member is “going off their meds.” If such a program had existed at U of I /Urbana, this NIU tragedy might have been avoided. Intervention is necessary in this wonderful age of incredible medicines, when those medicines are not taken as directed. We have a grad assistant who broke up with his girl friend and went on a Valentine’s Day rampage. If persons had noticed and intervened, it could have been prevented.
On Cole Hall - it appears that this is an obsolete building, not computer wired. But I am reminded of the follow-up to suicide bombers in Israel. In that nation, stores are cleaned up and re-opened the very next day. Killers are not going to destroy the fabric of that society. Similarly, clean up and upgrade Cole Hall, and add a memorial plaque to its exterior. College life is all about looking ahead, and absorbing both good and bad experiences. Let Cole Hall live and be used by future classes at NIU.