Support for our community

To: University Community
From: Robert N. Shelton, President
Subject: Support for Our Community

The past few days have been both heart-wrenching and remarkable. We moved from shock at Saturday’s shootings, to anguish over the loss of life, to gratitude that many of those injured survived and that others were unharmed, to overwhelming pride in the talents and bravery of first responders, healthcare professionals, and quick-thinking citizens who stepped up to ensure the safety and survival of others.

So where do we go from here?

Last night we held a ceremony that was designed to begin a healing process for our community. It afforded a chance for all of us in the Tucson region to come together and renew our sense of hope, and purpose, and pride in this wonderful place we live. It was cathartic for many to have a chance to cheer the heroes of that tragic day, and share a commitment to reach out to our friends and neighbors with a greater sense of love.

But memorial services will soon conclude, community gatherings will cease, the injured will recover, and news media from around the world will move to another story. What are we to do next?

Perhaps our most important task is to give ourselves and others the opportunity to grieve.

Grief and trauma manifest themselves in many ways, and understanding our reactions to tragic events is a key first step in the healing process. Being sad, disoriented, unable to concentrate, less productive, or prone to sudden emotional changes is normal and expected. It will take time for life to feel normal again.

Some people have expressed confusion and even embarrassment about the degree of their grief or anxiety given that they were not directly connected to the individuals who were injured. This, too, is normal. Our hearts ache for the friends and families of those harmed and we are mourning the loss of our own sense of safety and security. It is completely reasonable for each of us to feel affected.

In the weeks and days ahead I encourage you to take special care of yourself. This is the time to focus on eating well, getting rest, exercising, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and connecting with others. You may find it helpful to review newly posted advice that is available on the UA Life & Work Connections website http://lifework.arizona.edu/

I ask you to look after one another as well. Accept that colleagues and students may have trouble focusing or may be distracted. Reach out to those who appear withdrawn, distraught or unusually irritable. Remind students about counseling resources are available to them through Counseling and Psychological Services http://www.health.arizona.edu/webfiles/caps.htm and refer faculty and staff to UA Life & Work Connections http://lifework.arizona.edu/

It is important for us to recognize that it will take time for an entire community to recover and we must acknowledge that life as we know it has been forever changed. It is important, too, to recognize that we are an extraordinary community filled with compassionate people. Tucson’s essential soul has been revealed and that should offer us all a sense of hope.