Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Student encourages incoming freshmen despite shootings
Derek O’Dell, who was wounded during the Virginia Tech shootings, has become an “unofficial spokesperson” for the university.
Derek O’Dell, currently a junior at Virginia Tech, has become the university’s unofficial spokesperson since Seung-Hui Cho’s on-campus shootings left 32 dead.
O’Dell, who is majoring in biology with the intent to become a veterinarian, was shot in the arm during his German class inside Norris Hall, where the majority of the April 16 shootings took place.
Afterward, he was called a hero for helping block the shooter from re-entering his classroom.
The past year has been one where he lived in the public eye — GQ magazine named him a 2007 Men of the Year Honoree for being a “lifesaver” — while living the life of a college student. He celebrated his 21st birthday this past Sunday.
One year later, O’Dell gave an update on how he is doing today, and how he will commemorate the first anniversary of April 16. Also, he addressed an issue that seems to concern many parents — safety for incoming Tech freshmen.
It seems O’Dell holds a special place in the hearts of many locals because he is a graduate of Cave Spring High School.
“You cannot find a better guy. Derek is quiet and reserved, but when he does say something, it’s usually really profound,” said Emily Ewoldt, a longtime friend and fellow Cave Spring graduate. “He’s also really goofy, and since April 16 I think he has opened up a lot because he was forced to talk to the press so much.
“That was a good thing that came out of a bad situation,” she added. “Although he was impacted insanely, he’s still the same Derek I’ve always known.”
Indeed, it seems that even through something tragic, something good can happen . O’Dell, who was shy and soft-spoken before the shootings, is now more open and is trying to use his pain to help others by lobbying for increased gun control and mental health reform.
This morning, O’Dell plans to attend a university commemoration on the Drillfield where Tech President Charles Steger will open the ceremony and Gov. Tim Kaine will be closing. Also, he will attend the student-organized candlelight vigil that will be held on the Drillfield at sundown.
When describing what he has experienced as a survivor, O’Dell said the past year has brought “a lot of attention from the public and media.”
“I get to be an unofficial spokesperson on behalf of the university,” he said.
Yet in the year since the shootings, O’Dell wants parents to know the campus has become a safer place.
“It would almost be irrational for a parent not to send their child to Virginia Tech for the sole reason of being fearful of a shooter,” he said. “It is now one of the safest universities across the nation, and since April 16, there are a lot more protocols and police presence on campus.”
When asked what he would tell a student considering Tech, he said, “I have had some of the best experiences of my life here.
“With the Hokie nation, there is a really strong sense of community,” he added. “Don’t be worried about not fitting in if you weren’t here for April 16, because even though that brought the school closer, in a lot of ways, I feel like I’m getting that same old college experience.”
O’Dell, who is majoring in biology with the intent to become a veterinarian, was shot in the arm during his German class inside Norris Hall, where the majority of the April 16 shootings took place.
Afterward, he was called a hero for helping block the shooter from re-entering his classroom.
The past year has been one where he lived in the public eye — GQ magazine named him a 2007 Men of the Year Honoree for being a “lifesaver” — while living the life of a college student. He celebrated his 21st birthday this past Sunday.
One year later, O’Dell gave an update on how he is doing today, and how he will commemorate the first anniversary of April 16. Also, he addressed an issue that seems to concern many parents — safety for incoming Tech freshmen.
It seems O’Dell holds a special place in the hearts of many locals because he is a graduate of Cave Spring High School.
“You cannot find a better guy. Derek is quiet and reserved, but when he does say something, it’s usually really profound,” said Emily Ewoldt, a longtime friend and fellow Cave Spring graduate. “He’s also really goofy, and since April 16 I think he has opened up a lot because he was forced to talk to the press so much.
“That was a good thing that came out of a bad situation,” she added. “Although he was impacted insanely, he’s still the same Derek I’ve always known.”
Indeed, it seems that even through something tragic, something good can happen . O’Dell, who was shy and soft-spoken before the shootings, is now more open and is trying to use his pain to help others by lobbying for increased gun control and mental health reform.
This morning, O’Dell plans to attend a university commemoration on the Drillfield where Tech President Charles Steger will open the ceremony and Gov. Tim Kaine will be closing. Also, he will attend the student-organized candlelight vigil that will be held on the Drillfield at sundown.
When describing what he has experienced as a survivor, O’Dell said the past year has brought “a lot of attention from the public and media.”
“I get to be an unofficial spokesperson on behalf of the university,” he said.
Yet in the year since the shootings, O’Dell wants parents to know the campus has become a safer place.
“It would almost be irrational for a parent not to send their child to Virginia Tech for the sole reason of being fearful of a shooter,” he said. “It is now one of the safest universities across the nation, and since April 16, there are a lot more protocols and police presence on campus.”
When asked what he would tell a student considering Tech, he said, “I have had some of the best experiences of my life here.
“With the Hokie nation, there is a really strong sense of community,” he added. “Don’t be worried about not fitting in if you weren’t here for April 16, because even though that brought the school closer, in a lot of ways, I feel like I’m getting that same old college experience.”
