Back To School
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Today the Hokies are trying to take back their school. They've asked the media to back off and let them go about the business of getting back to class. When we were in Blacksburg last week, many students told us they could not fathom sitting in a classroom. "Unthinkable," they said.
Most of them headed home. But after a few days with their parents, there is a sense that they will not let the events of a week ago define them and their school. It won't be easy.
Today I spoke with the head of the language department, who along with teaching his regular class this afternoon was given the responsibility of meeting with the survivors of a class where both the teacher and several students had been killed.
He was not sure if anyone would show, and his voice cracked with emotion when I asked him if there was a way to prepare for such a thing. No, it won't be easy.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith