While living in a post-9/11 era revolutionized our sense of security, nothing could ever prepare us for catastrophes such as the Newtown shooting and more recently, the Boston Marathon bombings. We go through many classes about reporting crises, but even with the basics, we still endure the same shock that the public feels when events like this happen.

And even as we felt the reality of our humanity through the sorrow and fear on the faces of those at the marathon, we once again recognized our duty as journalists. We remembered the ethical standards we’re taught to uphold; we recalled our job to portray humanity through a truthful lens. However, we were saddened to see the reporters we looked up to jeopardize the credibility of the field we hold dear. To put immediacy over accuracy and proper attribution in a matter that demands justice for many is completely wrong. To exaggerate shock for readers is not what we signed up for. Perhaps you no longer trust the media or to a smaller degree, us, but it’s the continued desire to serve you the public that keeps us going.

Although we may not fully understand the grief that now plagues the friends and family of the three killed and countless others injured on Monday afternoon, we do understand the necessity of unity and community. Despite Hofstra’s diversity, we are continually amazed by this community’s ability to make people feel inclusive regardless of their racial, religious or political background. We’ve covered this community in grief and joy, on the days that it loves us and hates us.

We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. We also echo our thanks to law enforcement, medical personnel and bystanders that risked their lives to save people they didn’t even know.  We hope that the importance of peace and solidarity isn’t something that fades only to be recognized again in another tragedy, but something we always remember.