Bates College and Lewiston, Maine were my home for four years. And the depth of my love for this beautiful community cannot be overstated. It is enormously unfair that that this space has been marred and hurt by such a terrible violence. The destruction and despair is immense. Simultaneously, though, I see the beauty in a community embracing one another, planning a joyful Halloween for the children of Lewiston, and sharing words of love amidst all the pain. It is this very community that makes Lewiston so special. It is this desire for love, despite the great tragedy that you have suffered, that will remind you who you are and why you stand together.