Spartan Strong: A Photo Story of Resilience and Love

On February 13th, 2023 at 8:18pm I was at work on campus where I served as the photography editor for Michigan State University's yearbook, The Red Cedar Log. My fellow editors and I got the harrowing message that no student ever should receive: "Active Shooter: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT". 

As I sat in the Student Services Building, which is steps away from Berkey Hall, I wondered if I would make it out of that building and if I did, what life would look like outside those doors. Around midnight we were given the all clear to leave the building. The gunman who terrorized our campus and changed the trajectory of our lives was dead, and so were three of my fellow Spartans. 
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My parents picked me up and drove me back to my childhood home where I stared at the ceiling with silent tears flowing until the sun came up. I got out of bed on February 14th and knew what I needed to do to start healing. I hugged my parents extra tightly and returned to campus with my camera in hand, not exactly knowing what I would do with it. 

A memorial had already been set up at the Spartan Statue. It was covered in flowers, letters, stuffed animals, and  religious items. Glenda Lewis, a local newscaster who I grew up watching, stood in front of her camera wiping tears before her segment. I learned Lewis is a Michigan State alum. 

Then, I witnessed magic. 

MSU Police arrived at the statue to deliver pizzas to the news crews who had been reporting on the shooting for over 24 hours. An officer handed UpNorthLive's Marc Schollette a stack of pizzas to distribute and upon discovering he had an extra, he ran across the street and handed it to a student taking a moment to walk by Sparty. This small, seemingly insignificant exchange launched me into a project that I am extremely proud of. This is when my "Looking for the Helpers" photo story was born. 

Above you will see just a few of the excerpts from my story that highlighted those in the community that stepped up to support their fellow Spartans. A hairstylist who offered free pampering sessions to anyone who needed an hour of peace. Hotel staff who opened their doors to students and parents who needed to get off of campus immediately. A workout studio owner who created a safe gathering space to share stories, food, and an outlet. And finally two members of the Michigan State University Police Department, who saved countless lives with their swift actions and selfless attitudes in a time of chaos. 

On February 19th, 2023 hundreds of people flocked to MSU to support the students who were returning to campus. Never in my life have I seen such a genuine outpouring of love and compassion. Thousands of dollars of donations were passed out, hugs were given and tears were shed. The clouds parted and the sun warmed our campus once again. 

I wish I could say that going through this left me with great realizations about humanity and our nature. I wish I could say I am healed and have moved on. But that is not how this works. 

Sharing this story is something I hope I never have to do again, but I accept that this an experience the Universe handed me.  The love, compassion and kindness I witnessed far outweighed the evil that we endured. I am honored to share this story.

Arielle, Alexandria and Brian: We will never forget you. Your memory lives on in the sunlight that warms the Spartan Statue. In the laughter that echos throughout the buildings. In the breeze that whispers across the Red Cedar. 

Today and always we are Spartan Strong.