A Note From AUBG Daily




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  • 2014-10-12 18:42:37
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The AUBG family faced an unbearable tragedy last week when first-year student Boris Kodikov passed away after an unexplained fall from the ABF Student Center balcony. Before anything else, AUBG Daily would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Boris. There are never right words to talk about a tragedy like the one our community is going through right now. Out of the infinity of words, I chose the word “unbearable” because in the past few days the AUBG campus, our home, seemed to be in a state of limbo. Time stood still and silence took over. It really was unbearable to see. Many left for home; others stayed. I will borrow a few beautiful words from Mahatma Gandhi: “For I can see that in the midst of death life persists, in the midst of untruth truth persists, in the midst of darkness light persists.” Despite the unbearable state of things, I think that light did persist in this time of darkness. We literally saw it on Thursday night when hundreds of candles lit up the mourning faces of students, faculty, and staff in Skapto II’s courtyard at a candlelight vigil in honor of Boris. We saw it in the words uttered in sadness. SG President Mario Grachenov said: “We suffered a tremendous loss, guys. Now we should act as a family.” Professor William Clark spoke on behalf of the faculty about loving and celebrating life. Some of Boris’ friends shared their thoughts as well and sang about the bonds of friendship.  President Aspegren said: “It was a difficult day for Boris’ family. And we’re going to have some trying days ahead. But tonight, we are here to remember Boris.” I wanted to emphasize his words. We are here, at AUBG, and we will remember Boris. In Bulgaria, my country, we tend to avoid talking about loss and lost loved ones. This should not be. As Gandhi said, in the midst of death life persists. A lost life can persist as well if people are not afraid to keep that person alive through their memories. I saw light in the darkness when people spoke, not only at the vigil, but elsewhere. Current students and alumni shared their grief amongst themselves, and in other places, like Facebook. A senior at AUBG wrote: “Rest in peace, and I hope the place where you are now is better than the ugly world in which we remain!” An alumnus wrote: “Condolences to the AUBG community and the family of the fellow student who has tragically passed away today! A truly sad day for AUBG community and its friends.” There were many more messages like these. The point of mentioning them is to encourage the community to not be afraid to remember, to talk, and to mourn openly. At the same time, life persists, and the most respectful way to acknowledge death is to live. It is not only respectful, it is cathartic. In light of this, AUBG Daily will break its silence and resume its work starting Monday. We will follow up on any new developments regarding the recent tragedy, and we will continue to be a vital voice for students on this campus. Once again, our hearts go out to Boris’ family and friends. Let all of us continue to be a family and support each other. Let all of us keep the memory of him alive. Let all of us welcome life. Sincerely, Vesselina Apostolova President of AUBG Daily Featured image: The candlelight vigil in honor of Boris. Image credits: Igor Myakotin/ The Bubble