There are moments in time when I am immensely proud to be a Florida Gator. Thursday was one of them. No, it wasn’t due to many students’ impressive performances on St. Patty’s Day. It wasn’t even due to our dominance in basketball. It was due to the sight I witnessed at the candlelight vigil in commemoration of the disaster in Japan. Hundreds of students sat huddled in the Reitz Union Amphitheatre. There were students from all communities and cliques. Unity prevailed as all the students joined in praying for those affected by the tragedy and committing to doing all they can to help. We heard emotional tales of those here who know individuals who lost their homes and even their lives. Though the words were in Japanese, the emotion transcended language and generated compassion from all in attendance.
I am writing today not only to report on an event that made me indescribably proud of The Gator Nation but also to urge all reading to do what they can to aid the victims of the disaster. I understand times are tough, but please consider donating any spare change you may have. And please consider donating any of your spare time toward helping Hope for Japan as they organize our UF community in response to the disaster.
Those of us who were here when disaster struck Haiti know what we as a university community are capable of.
Tragedy, despite the horror and sadness it brings, truly brings out the best in many people. Let’s do it again, Gators.
