On Saturday September 13 at 1:20 am, Hannah Graham sent a text message to friends saying she was lost. Since Sunday, police forces — and all of the University community — have been trying to find her.
Students have played a major role in spreading the word about Hannah’s disappearance and how to help the police with their search. A Facebook page dedicated to finding her has garnered almost 5,000 likes, and the hashtag #BringHannahHome is used to share photos and news updates via Facebook and Twitter. The most recent report from Charlottesville police spokesperson Ronnie Roberts is that more than 60 tips came in Monday evening. New information has been discovered, and search areas have been expanded.
What is most remarkable about Hannah’s case is that even students who do not know her personally have made a concerted effort to disseminate information about her disappearance, and have expressed hope that she returns safely. Such widespread concern exemplifies the strength of the University community — in that a personal relationship is not necessary in order to feel a connection to a peer.
This connection could exist because many students recognize what happened to Hannah could happen to anyone. We share this space — our corner of the world — and while we relish its pleasures, we also recognize its dangers. Perhaps many of us have had experiences of walking home alone, even being lost and being frightened. And even if we have not, we are touched by the impossibility of imagining Hannah’s thoughts and fears, those of her close friends, and those of her family.
We know the places she has walked, and we wish we could follow her footsteps to wherever she might be. Much of that investigative process is out of our hands, and we must sit anxiously awaiting more news. But if nothing else, we can take comfort in the fact that this community exists, that if any of us were ever in trouble, our armies would be at least 5,000 — even 20,000 — strong. As we keep Hannah in our thoughts, we express concern for each other’s safety as we leave libraries and late night meetings. We want to know that our friends have reached home safely.
Emily Dickinson wrote,
“Hope” is the thing with feathers —
That perches in the soul —
And sings the tune without the words —
And never stops — at all —
Our hope sings on that Hannah will return home, and such hope is only stronger because it comes from a unified voice. Let us not lose that resolve in the coming days. In times like these, which threaten the solidarity of our community, that collective strength is necessary for us all to continue.
Students who need help coping with stress or anxiety can call University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 434-243-5150 (after 5 p.m. and on weekends, call 434-924-7004). Students can also call the Office of the Dean of Students at 434-924-7133.
Read More
EDITORIAL: Celebrating and reflecting on The Cavalier Daily’s independence
By Editorial Board | YesterdayOur independence grants us the ability to ask the hard questions and to say what University representatives cannot.
ARRAS: U.Va. must revise the Sexual Assault Prevention Training module
By Aoife Arras | 2 days agoIn addition to its failures in interactivity, the module lacks details specific to the University and discusses key concepts in universal terms.
EDITORIAL: Pedestrian safety is an institutional imperative
By Editorial Board | 4 days agoAmid a national crisis of pedestrian safety, Charlottesville and the University are also struggling to properly maintain pedestrian safety.
