To Editor:

To start off, I am proud to say that I am a Huskie who is studying special education at NIU.

I was on campus Thursday, Feb. 14 and witnessed the sheer terror of what unfolded that tragic day.

That one day has not only affected me, but also our community as a whole.

On that day and the days following, I have witnessed many things that made me proud of the community I grew up in and also go to school in.

I would first like to thank all of the police and fire personnel for their immediate response to a horrifying situation on our campus.

The response and teamwork was incredible and all involved should be commended.

I would also like to thank the members of the medical community including, but not limited to, the doctors, nurses, aids and social workers.

Without all of you diligently working on our fellow Huskies, things may have turned out differently.

To the members of the DeKalb-Sycamore community, you all have been so supportive in this time of turmoil and the Huskie Nation thanks you.

The signs, balloons and ribbons are just a few things that come to mind that have helped me feel better and also to show the victims’ families that they are not alone.

This outpouring of support shows the families that we all feel their pain but also celebrate the lives of the five wonderful individuals taken from all of us for no reason at all.

I would also like to thank all members of the Northern Illinois University family for all of the support and love that has been exhibited during this time of need.

We are NIU and we will never forget. Forward, together forward is how we will get through this tragic event.

To President John Peters and Chief Don Grady:

You gentlemen are the strongest individuals I have ever known. You have proven to be the rocks of this incredible university and, with your strength and guidance, we will continue to heal. For this type of leadership and giving your all, the members of the NIU community are forever grateful to you.

I felt it was necessary to thank as many people as I could include in this letter, but if anyone was left out by accident, thank you also.

I feel my sentiments are also felt by all members of the NIU student body.

We are NIU and forward, together forward.

I am very proud of my school.

With that being said, I would like to finish this letter by saying to Gayle, Julianna, Catalina, Ryanne and Daniel: You will be missed and remain forever in our hearts.

Jason Mitchell

Sophomore special education major