When I was in high school I had no genuine tie to my school, I was bitter and felt no pride towards it. So coming to Penn State, I knew that I was proud and happy to go here but I never anticipated I would have such strong feelings about it. When the scandal hit I felt a multitude of things; embarrassed, disappointed, and most of all upset that MY school had a bulls eye painted on its back. More and more of my friends began posting ignorant and smart-ass comments about the scandal and it was the first time I ever felt a strong responsibility to defend Penn State. Lori Shontz words really resonated with me when she said “something has been taken away from your identity,” and I honestly felt that I was stripped of something. I was physically angry and frustrated that people were so quick to judge when accurate and sound information had yet to be released; but everyone just loves a good scandal.
I was one of the thousands of students rioting on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and I can honestly say that I felt something. Going to a school with over 40 thousand students, I felt as if we were all connect, one big family. The experience of running from Beaver Ave to Old Main with no real sense of direction; it was empowering. The students finally had a say in how we were represented because our administration failed us. With that being said however, the riots got out of hand and escalated to a point that showed even more negative light on the University. Sheila Squillante said it perfectly “Maybe [we’re] too close.” I think at that point we all felt such a strong need to defend every last criticism and losing our beloved coach of 46 years pushed us over the edge. But none of us thought to step back and think, am I too close to it all, am I really focusing on what’s important?
After stepping back and reevaluating, Penn State had a moment of redemption with the candle light vigil on Old Main in support of the victims. I wasn’t there myself to experience it but from what I was told, it was a proud moment for all us Nittany Lions. I honestly believe that it’s a shame that in spite of the great things that this school has offered to the community the media continues to do a terrible job at covering the story to begin with. Going back home, I was able to supply more accurate information I read in our Daily Collegian than that of a major broadcasting network. Then again I may just be too close again. In my opinion, attention shouldn’t be kept on Joe Paterno, whatever his involvement may be because when it comes down to it, no REALLY knows what anyone knew in the first place. I found it incredibly upsetting that this poor 84 year old man who has devoted his entire life to not only the football program but to the university itself has to end his legacy in such a terrible way. At the end of the day though, the school felt that they had the schools best interest in mind and we all just have to see what happens. A lot is left to be explained about both the scandal and the future of Penn Sate but as our beloved coach said on the night of the riots, “go home, pray for the victims. WE ARE Penn State, and we will forever be Penn STate
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