Tyler Clementi

Hi everyone,

I know I haven’t seen a lot of you this year, but a Professor at UC Berkeley sent this to her students, and I though it would be valuable to pass along to you. I've changed a few things such as local resources available to you.

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You may have heard about the freshman at Rutgers, Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide after his dorm roommate surreptitiously web-cammed him making out with another guy and posted it on the web.

Just in September, five young gay people -- that we know of -- committed suicide in the U.S.

There are many things I could say to you right now, but let me stick with the most important: who you are is OK.

Gay or straight or not yet sure. Ok. Republican or Democrat or Green or not yet sure. Ok. Tall or short or fat or thin or anywhere in between. Ok. Angry or sad or happy or silly or scared or somewhere in between. Ok. Religious or not or questioning. Ok. Male or female or transitioning. Ok. Smart or not so smart or feeling not as smart as you used to. Ok. Loved by your family or not getting along with them right now or not even sure what's going on. Ok. Hanging out with friends on a Friday night or alone again in your room. Ok.

Life is full of challenges. Some seem insurmountable, especially when you're 15, 16, 17 or 18 years old. (heck, or 53). But you*can* survive those challenges. Please choose to survive.

If you or someone you know is feeling there's no way out but death, please, please talk with someone. Talk with a friend. Call your pastor. Make an appointment with Outreach and Concern. Talk to your parents, your brother, your sister, someone. If you're feeling all alone -- which is clearly how Tyler was feeling when he posted his intention on his FB – call

the Teen Line (310) 855-4673 or (800) 852-8336

a suicide hotline (877) 7-CRISIS (877-727-4747) 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433),

or a talk line 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 1 (800) 309-2131

If you ever bullied someone for being different than you (or so much like you that it jarred you into bullying), figure out a way to make up for that bad karma. Best idea: stop a friend/buddy when they start to do the same thing. Just imagine, what if Tyler's roommate had found not a willing accomplice next door, but a friend who said "Man, what are you doing? That's just cruel. Let's go to the gym." It's a start.

Here's the take away: You are normal. You are ok. You are loved. You, just the way you are.

Prof. Olney

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I hope that you take Professor Olney’s message to heart. It’s a very important one: You _are_ ok.

Mr. Joeck