I was checking my school email account and a student sent me a message that her brother had been shot and killed yesterday. She expressed concern about her finals. The most chilling thing to me was how matter of fact the email was worded. She sent it yesterday after he had been shot and was concerned that the funeral arrangements might conflict with her finals.

Of course, I expressed my sympathy and told her not to worry about her finals.

I have been teaching college students for 29 years and have heard a lot of sad stories but this one really bothers me. I don't know the student well, but it just seemed from the way that the email was worded that what happened to her brother was not unexpected. I think she is from the south side of Chicago

It's a shame as to how our young have become desensitised to violence and death. I blame television and violent movies for a lot of it. I suppose on the so side of Chicago, it's an all too frequent occurrence.

Shock can make a person act totally unlike they usually do.

Plus, not knowing the students background, there could be many extenuating circumstances. You just never know...............

Emotion is hard to convey in an email, too.

You never know...she might have edited it 50 times before sending it, all the while sobbing her heart out...

So sad...

it is hard to say what she was thinking. I know she comes from a pretty rough background. Finals are not for another week.

How sad. I am glad you are supportive and hope she is able to continue with her studies and hopefully create a more peaceful life for herself.

I just talked with my student. The police have released her brother's body and they were going to have the funeral this weekend. But since her mother does not have any insurance for him, the funeral will be at the beginning of next week because it is more expensive to have a funeral on a Saturday. I am allowing her to finish up the class this week by turning a a completed study guide as a take home exam. She isn't going home until Friday. I just can't imagine what their lives are like. I could tell that she did not really want to talk about the situation. I imagine that is how she is coping -- by just trying to take care of her work at school.

That poor girl! I have been keeping her and her family in my prayers.

I think it is great that you are working with her on this and accommodating her. That is very kind of you and shows what a good teacher you are.

Wish there was an organiztion that could help them with expenses...keeping her & her family in prayers...