On October 7th, over 500 pairs of shoes were placed in a trail that followed the outline of the main hallway in the F academic building. Each pair represented a life taken by suicide on the nation’s college campuses each semester. Many people came up to my fellow volunteers and me, curious as to why these simple articles of clothing were against the wall. When we explained it to them, we saw faces staring back at us that were full of emotion. Clearly, this topic had an impact on everyone. It took just over three minutes to walk the entire line of shoes, but if they had represented suicides in a year, it would have been the equivalent of going from the TRLC building to the Lodge at Lakeside. Suicide is not something that is often talked about, much less presented through a symbolic visual, but it was time we spoke up.

The goal of this event was to “send silence walking,” and that is exactly what we did. Throughout the day, I conversed with complete strangers, both adults and fellow peers, all of whom made connections on the powerful message that was displayed at their feet. Other events during Suicide Prevention Week helped to continue the conversations. There were free depression screenings and consultations, panel discussions, a movie, and the Draw Hope art  contest.

The moment that was most profound for me, however, was a quiet time in which I was alone standing next to Lake Fred. I was privileged enough to work with the Active Minds student organization and was waiting at my post to cheer on the walkers of the first Send Silence Walking event. As I sat on the grass, I could not help but feel grounded amongst the pairs of shoes that lined the walkway; there were more than the number of students at my entire high school. Out of something so simple as a shoe, walked a concept more powerful than can be described in words. Together we must end the stigma on mental health, learn positive coping skills, and never let ourselves or anyone else walk alone.

~Alex Meyers