With the downpour of rain on Tuesday evening, the student organization To Write Love On Her Arms held their third annual candlelight vigil in the Elm Room of Maucker Union. 

The vigil is meant to raise awareness during Suicide Prevention Week to those individuals who have taken their own life in the past.

“Suicide is such a tragedy,” said Samantha Mallow, senior electronic media major and co-president of TWLOHA, “and it is something that can be completely prevented. We want to remember those that we have lost, in hopes to prevent it from happening to others in the future.”

The event began with statistics such as — suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 13-24 year olds and the tenth leading cause of death in the nation, every 13.3 minutes someone takes their own life and on average 40,000 people commit suicide a year. 

 There were tears welling in people’s eyes remembering those individuals who could not see the reasons to continue their lives. Those individuals that have left this world could not see the pain that tore in the survivors’ hearts by the result of their actions. 

Due to the rain, the traditional walk around campus to raise awareness was exchanged for last minute plans to do an activity in the Union.

The attendees of the event were asked to think of ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’, which consisted of creating a positive list of items that people find joy and happiness in. The list ranged from puppies and friends all the way to Taylor Swift and Netflix. 

With the creative flow of ideas and the positive atmosphere that followed, many of the participants were laughing and enjoying themselves at some of the thoughts that were written on the board. 

“I thought it was a lot of fun,” Elizabeth Gowin, freshman graphic technologies major said.

What the rain took away from the group in terms of numbers, they more than made up for in personal interactions. 

“We had a lot of good dialogue and conversation,” said Paige Hageman, senior math education major and the treasurer of the club, “I think it definitely gave people a lot of positive thoughts which is what we always want to leave the group with.”

If you are suffering from depression or other mental illnesses, please seek help at UNI’s Counseling Center. Suicide is completely preventable. There are networks available to help anyone who feels like they are struggling.