<p>I had a big long thread typed up but it deleted because of my internet connection, but I want my message to get out. </p>
<p>Lets start this off in Nov, 2011; the riot. Yes, about a thousand showed up, but there was a very small percentage of people actually rioting, regardless it reflected poorly on us students. What didn't get reported was there were hundreds were at Joe Pa's house and Beaver Stadium showing their support peacefully. Then there was the candlelight vigil for the victims of there heinous crimes which had more than 10,000 students attend, all in support of the VICTIMS. Then they had to play a football game against Nebraska, where there was a blue-out, moment of silence/payer, and money raised for the VICTIMS. Few media outlets chose to report that. Then came Feb. 2012 when Joe Pa passed away and the media chose to televise his tarnished legacy, not the positive impact he had on the university and thousands of young men he coached, but there is nothing we can do about that. Then came THON where us students raised over $10 million for pediatric cancer. Jay Pa made a very impactful quote that day, "When the storm clouds gathered around the campus in November, many ran for the hills, but not the students" "I challenge them to come to THON, he exclaimed. Let [the media] come to THON. When the world wants to see what courage and leadership is, let them come [to THON]". This is the true embodiment of the PSU student body; we care. The media also didn't report that the PSU football team runs the largest student athlete philanthropy in the country, benefiting pancreatic cancer. Does anyone know that a PSU football recruit wants to start a foundation for ALS? No, because the media choose not to report it. If you choose to accept what you hear in the media, you have the wrong idea of PSU. </p>
<p>The next event came during the trial, and there was finally, hopefully, some justice for the victims. Then came the Freeh Report which stated that the most powerful men at PSU failed to protect children, but keep in mind this was one man's inference on what happened and that press conference was a media zoo where all that was conveyed was the summary. however, the Freeh report is not my main point of this. My main point is that the country shouldn't rush to conclusions, there are still trials for Spanier, Schultz, and Curley, once that dust settles then it will be an appropriate time to make a fair conclusion, but calling for the DP of the football team and all that other stuff is pointless because it isn't bring the justice those who committed the crimes. Those who committed crimes will serve their time, Paterno is dead, Sandusky is done for, and the other 3 still have trials. However, the media will continue to rush judgement and will continue to neglect the victims. On that note, I would like you all to forget about this for 5 seconds and say a prayer for the victims. Hopefully they can start the healing process. Even though powerful men at PSU neglected them, moving forward, the PSU community needs to keep them in mind, and we alreadt have started to. </p>
<p>This brings me to my final point. I urge all of you to take the time to educate yourselves about this topic and not rely on big corp. media, they are in it to make money, so they will do whatever they have to to do so. Finally to all prospective students, do not let the actions of a few dictate whether or not you attend, the scandal won't effect the world-class faculty who are doing groundbreaking research, come see our 160 degree programs, our student philanthropy, including THON, come to a school that is number 1 in corporate recruiting, and come see the community where there is place for everyone. I love this place and I do not regret choosing to attend here. All in all, this is about the victims, so please keep them in your thoughts.</p>