It pains me to realize how profound an impact Monday's Virginia Tech massacre has had on our nation – one that will last long after TV specials and newspaper headlines display their updates. Thirty-plus families have suffered deep scarring losses – their hearts left empty and weeping. Twenty-five thousand students will soon struggle to refocus their minds and redirect their studies. The entire state of Virginia will forever remember the tragedy that has stained its fertile soil.

I would like to sincerely commend the Marquette community on its response to the horrifying news. Moments of silence, the solemn ringing of church bells, prayer sessions, flags at half-mast, even away messages and Facebook posts give only a mere glimpse into the emotions echoing across our campus. These symbols of respect and mourning have not gone unnoticed.

It wasn't, however, until I heard it from someone else that I truly understood what Monday's events mean to our society, the city of Milwaukee and the Marquette community.

A comment was made to me by an older man standing at the bus stop. He poured his feelings out as if he'd been waiting all day for me to pass by. He said, "The time is now, young man. Today is the day when you and your friends should realize how important you are to each other and encourage each member of your community to take stake in one another." I was blown away and had trouble responding. I just muttered, "You know, you're right," and continued to class.

Truer words could not have been spoken at a more appropriate time. Little did I know the thought process that our short-lived conversation would perpetuate. I thought back to the gentleman's words, "take stake in one another." I began to think back to how often I had seen or heard the phrases cura personalis or "men and women for others" since I first arrived on campus. I lost count. I took time to reflect on what exactly these ideals are trying to promote. Then it hit me.

The principles upheld by this institution aren't meant to be confined to the parameters of the Marquette community. They're meant to be shared with the world. Each of us, no matter our gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, political view or socioeconomic standing, has an obligation in our fellow man or woman.

There are changes that need to occur in our society that reflect cura personalis and stray away from focusing on the aforementioned factors. It's up to us to see that this happens. College students of today house the loudest voice in American society. We are where change begins.

Gender, race, religion, etc. are all very important and they play a huge role in defining who we are as individuals. However, there comes a point where these things shouldn't decide whether or not we care and respect one another. The focus should lie in the belief that we all bleed red, walk in the same grass and breathe the same air. We are all human.

We were all set on this earth for the same reason – to live together as one. Our mission is not to segregate ourselves from those who act or think differently than we do. Instead, it is our responsibility to unite as one society, and acknowledge and embrace individuality, rather than be divided by our differences.

I encourage all reading this to take your voices outside of our small community and put your words and actions into play in the bigger picture. This world is ours. We have the power. Use the gifts bestowed upon you to empower others, break down the barriers and motivate change.

Guzzardo is a junior in the College of Nursing.

Guzzardo is a junior in the College of Nursing.