The NIU student body, along with the rest of the country, experienced a horrific day yesterday. We all witnessed or heard about the devastation that took place in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania at the hands of, as yet, unknown terrorists. Although these events were geographically distant from us here in DeKalb, the attacks hit emotionally close to home and affected us all.

The important thing that we must remember is that we must unite and try to keep our lives as normal as possible during these difficult times.

We also must remember that just because some of our fellow students may share the same national origin as some of the suspects in this tragedy, we must not judge them on that basis, and we must continue to show them the same respect that we would show anyone else.

In short, we must carry on and try to return to the way our lives were before.

The university and the Student Association will continue to offer services for students and members of the university community.

The counselors in the Counseling and Student Development Center (753-1206) in the Campus Life Building, Room 200, are available for students who would like to talk individually

or in small groups.

The SA will hold a vigil at 8 p.m. tonight in Central Park in remembrance of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.

Also, please come out and help the injured at the three emergency blood drives that will take place today in the Holmes Student Center from noon to 5 p.m.; in Grant South from 2 to 7 p.m.; and at the University Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m.

If you have any questions about available services or need assistance, please stop by the Student Association office in the Campus Life Building, Suite 180, or call 753-0482.

Finally, on behalf of the SA and staff, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of this tragic day.