We see it time and again on the news and in periodicals. During times of crisis there are always special people who rise above the occasion to offer help when it is needed most.

The best example of that courage under fire came four years ago on 9/11. Hundreds of firemen and police officers made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to ensure the well being of New York's greater population. But events don't necessarily have to transpire on a global stage for people to act in the best interest of others.

Such was the case on what seemed to be a rather non-descript Saturday evening at Marquette's campus. At 6:30 p.m. that night, when anticipation for an evening of parties and dates usually starts to heighten, a car slammed into a building that in many ways is the face of Marquette nightlife.

Some people froze. That is the most common reaction to a scene as bizarre as the one that took place Saturday. However there were a few brave college kids that reminded us times of crisis are often a window from which we can look out and see the human spirit shine.

While some stood motionless — and we are not condemning those that were left paralyzed by the sight of this haunting scene — some ran into Jimmy John's to give whatever help they could. One individual took a victim from between a wall and the car that slammed into the building. After that more individuals rushed forward. It became a basic instinct to want to help fellow people.

Then there were more subtle, less immediate acts of kindness. Students offered to help clean the mess from the accident. And while some people were compelled to make light of the situation most students did what they could to start picking up the pieces.

Four Marquette students and the driver of the vehicle were injured that evening. None of them sustained life-threatening injuries. But it is worth asking the question how much closer to death could those people have been if not for the bravery of a handful of others that wanted to help.

If there is anything we can take from this accident as a community it is that we live amongst people who truly care about the well being of their fellow classmates. We are incredibly lucky to walk amongst people who are willing to risk their well-being to ensure that others end up safe after the worst of accidents.

While we now walk around campus with a little more suspicion about how life can change in the blink of an eye we can also walk the campus knowing that if the worst should happen there are people at Marquette that will help no matter what the cost.

This editorial was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 20, 2005.