OUR VIEW: Students impress with their quick action

The earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan is the latest calamity to have brought the world community together. Events like these remind humankind of the greater forces which can not be controlled. These weave nations together under common ground: Helping their fellow man. Students are doing their part with a fundraiser.

    USU’s Japan Club and ASUSU are hoping to raise $15,000 to donate to relief funds. One of the most talked-about ways of raising the money has been the STEP’s initiative. Students can pay to have “steps” shaved or braided into their hair. The organizations are also selling paper cranes and T-shirts.

    This recent disaster is reminiscent of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina or the tsunami in 2005. In each of these instances, every nation appeared to turn their hearts and minds to those affected. Resources, time and manpower were lent to bring order back to the small nation. Another nation, another opportunity for charity.

    In this day and age, how incredible is it to have college students band together in an effort to help a culture which many have never had contact with? How inspiring is it to have strangers show compassion for those in pain simply because they are human? Yes, there are wars. Yes, there is violence. But how can we lose faith in humanity when so quickly young people will jump to help a people thousands of miles away?

    Unfortunately, it seems to often take heinous events to bring the world together. Perhaps it is the reminder that we are fragile that causes our drive to help. Maybe we are all looking for an excuse to serve or show some fragment of emotion. Are we so caught up in our day-to-day duties that we can’t take five minutes to enjoy the safety and beauty in our own Cache Valley? Can we not spare a few moments to help someone who has slipped on the ice or open a door for a mother carrying two children on her hip and pushing another in a stroller? What about just the couple seconds of awareness it takes to smile at someone?

    We applaud students organizing relief efforts and those seeking and giving donations for their time and energy. We send our sympathies to any effected by this tragedy. We encourage students to explore ways they can offer support, both during this time of hardship for our neighbors across the ocean and everyday. Together, we can create a world of peace and love if we treat everyone as though they are in need of our help.