Keira D.

Photography by John Tropeano

If you’re reading this, don’t hesitate to find comfort in Villanova’s company, in response to and regardless of tragedy.

When I moved into Stanford Hall last year at this time, standing on the precipice of the rest of my life, I felt all the normal going-into-college emotions—apprehensive, excited, terrified, nostalgic, etc. I was incredibly excited, and frankly, a little jealous that so many new students would be able to experience it all for the first time again.

I do not know what I would’ve done if what happened at that welcome mass happened my freshman year.

We had an incident of gun violence in my high school years ago, and it terrified me and all of my peers. I remember the feeling of waking up the next day incredibly vividly. My high school’s pride didn’t run deep, but I have never felt a sense of community quite like the one I did in those following days. Teachers opened their doors for students to feel safer during lunch and offer selfless comfort and support. Students in my grade bonded over the comical way our principal addressed the student body, references that I shared with my college friends.

I chose Villanova because of the Nova Nation. I wanted to be surrounded in an environment where people acknowledge the little things and dedicate themselves to well-being. I do not have a single doubt that support following this incident will be plentiful.

To those new to our home, I deeply apologize. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. However, the sense of love and community here is truly all-encompassing. You could not be in a better place full of more love. Villanova is here for you.

Keira D., Villanova University

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Villanova on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Villanova students, visit our chapter’s homepage.