In the midst of trouble, it is often difficult to cling to optimism.

Though death and disaster could lead to despair, often positive change arises in the wake of tragedy.

The partnership formed by the Brown-Lupton University Union and Gamma Phi Beta to bring the Rachel’s Challenge College Program to campus is one example of the positive changes that can come from loss.

According to the Rachel’s Challenge website, the program is presented to schools and corporations in honor of Rachel Scott, the first person killed during the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Rachel’s friends and family saw Rachel’s death as an opportunity to prevent tragedy through kindness and compassion.

Gamma Phi Beta in turn partnered with the BLUU to honor the memory of Amanda Bebout, the junior nursing major found dead in her off-campus residence in January.

As easy as it may seem to sink into despair, sharing the memory of lost loved ones can bring about positive change.

Rachel’s Challenge, bringing the program to campus and the establishment of a scholarship in Bebout’s name, which had reached the endowment level of $50,000 by March 17, are examples of commendable reactions to the pain and sadness that comes from loss.

News editor Kayla Mezzell for the editorial board