The loss of our friend, Mike Foreman, was deeply saddening. For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing this great guy, Foreman had a sense of joy around him that made one feel good about life. He was a compassionate, loving young man who wanted to make the world a better place. Foreman may not have been the most popular student in the community, but those who knew him were touched by his warm smile.

Although we will definitely miss Foreman, we can take some positives from this tragic situation. Hopefully, with the loss of Foreman, we can become a closer community intertwined with love and

compassion.

Whether one recognizes it or not, the student body is composed of many different divisions. There are many factors that separate and divide us as a community. If the sad passing of Foreman can show us anything, it should be to bring us a little closer together.

If we were to embrace a new level of kindness and concern towards our fellow Elon peers, while understanding that no matter how different we are on the outside, we are bonded, if only by the same school colors; then Foreman’s passing would serve a purpose, however tough it may be to understand or comprehend.

Just as Mother Teresa preaches, it is when we realize that we are all united as sisters and brothers that we can have a peace that passes understanding. As a community, we should strive to reach out to that lonely student you see and never talk to. Invite outcasts to sit at your dinner table and get to know each other. It is when we love one another and start to take a form of responsibility for our fellow neighbors’ well-being that this Elon community is at its best.

Columnist: John Fiedler - 04/19/07