In light of the recent events that have rocked UD, it is appropriate for every student to think about loving your neighbor as yourself.

There is no way to assuage the grief and confusion that surrounds something like a suicide. What can be done however, as we move forward from the tragedy, is to keep a couple things in mind.

The first is to never underestimate the power of a smile, or a friendly "hello" or "thanks, have a nice day." Certainly just about every UD student receives plenty of smiles and appreciation from friends and acquaintances. Still, everyone can use more. Smiling and thanking a stranger can change his or her day, or yours.

All the hugs and hellos in the world still might not get the job done, but they definitely can't hurt either. Isn't it worth it to make oneself feel better and maybe brighten another's day, even if it is just a little?

The other thing to keep in mind is that feeling down or depressed or that the weight of the world is on your shoulders is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. People need to know that there is always someone willing to listen and somewhere to go for a little sanctuary from the stress of life.

It cannot be stressed enough that no matter what is causing pain or worry in someone's life, whether it be grades, a job, friends or family, it is not worth ending a life. All the negatives that can come from those things pale in comparison to the beauty one can experience in life.

For UD students, there is the Ghetto, your professors and friends. There are the random connections you make with someone from a class during the weekends. There is St. Patrick's Day and the wonderful sight of students out on KU field when spring comes to Dayton.

When things come crashing down all at once, it can be more difficult than any of us can imagine. Still, looking at all the good in one's life and realizing nothing is worth sacrificing all the good that is to come can be a lifesaver.