LETTER: Helping your fellow human
As an alumni of Central Michigan University, I took pride in my choice to attend Central.
I always prided myself on being someone who was compassionate toward others. I also thought I was not alone and that my fellow peers were, for the most part, just as compassionate.
Unfortunately, today I realized I was wrong.
Today, a girl tripped and fell while crossing the intersection between the Charles V. Park Library and the Bovee University Center, which, I am sure everyone can agree, is an area full of traffic.
This poor girl fell so hard, her head literally bounced off the cement.
She then proceeded to roll over onto her back and hold (with both hands) her head while not moving.
My boyfriend was four car lengths behind her when this happened.
He had to wait for four cars (in his lane alone, not counting for the other cars in the opposite lanes) to go through the stop and go intersection before he could pull over to help her. Anyone waiting to turn at that intersection can understand how long that takes.
No one stopped to help during that time. He watched while multiple people walked past this girl and pointed. But no one stopped to help her, not even to ask if she was ok. Instead, they all walked past. Dare I mention the people that were in the cars ahead? They had to have seen this girl lying in pain.
Yet, they did not stop; they didn't even roll down their window to yell and ask if she was OK. If I was one of these people who passed and didn't make an effort to help, I would be ashamed of myself.
I am happy and proud to acknowledge that my boyfriend and his friend DID attempt to pull over and help.
But, before they could, another girl came to the fallen girl's aid. She ran over, bent down and assisted the girl. To the girl that took the time to assist her fellow human; you are a great person.
Thank you for taking the time to help someone when few else would. I would be proud to call you a CMU peer.
To everyone who walked, drove by and didn't stop; you are a coward. I am ashamed of you and hope this makes you think in the future.
Melissa Buckelew
2010 graduate
