This time in the semester is always a stressful period of time. Students start having their first tests, presentations, and large assignments due. This time of year is an especially heightened stressor in buildings with a majority of first year students dealing with various transitional issues. During the month of September, Bender hall not only experienced the natural stressors of the college experience, we have suffered an unimaginable loss of a member of our community. Throughout this experience, Bender Hall has exemplified the meaning of a strong, loving community.
It is never easy to deal with a death, especially when the death is sudden and happens to a person so young. The support that the staff and residents have given each other through this tragedy is something I have never experienced. The building has worked together to see each other through the moments of tears,…show more content… Our staff had multiple late nights, including nights without sleep, to build each other up long after our residents had gone to bed. This situation impacted everyone who was involved, whether they had known the resident or not. There were students who knew the student personally, students who had old memories triggered, and students who just had questions. The staff did a phenomenal job holding meetings, offering resources, and showering the residents in the building with understanding and the sense that they are loved. There were many tough questions asked throughout the week, and the Bender Hall staff answered them with grace and sensitivity. The residents who reside in Bender have felt the love and support from every staff member in the building. The 11 RAs in the building have been showered with notes, drawings, hugs, and kind words from our residents expressing how thankful they are for the work and support we have given them throughout this tough