To Write Love on her Arms

On Wednesday February 16th I attended the presentation, "To Write  Love on her Arms," in Steward hall.  I wasn't sure what to expect going in but once I got seated I figured out quickly what I was in store for.  The presentation was opened up by a guest speaker and founder of To Write Love on Her Arms Jamie Tworkowski.   He introduced the first performer who sang with a guitar music that was written by himself and his band.  It was very beautiful.  His voice is incredible and very touching.  The lyrics were very inspirational and I know touched many individuals. After the music was done Jamie came back on the mic to explain what To Write Love on Her Arms is and explain where it came from.  He talked a lot about having at least one person there when you are feeling blue.  I think it is very important to make sure that you have at least one friend who can listen if you ever need them.  Suicide happens usually because that person feels like they have no one to turn to or talk to. 

After Jamie spoke and explained the story one of his friends came on the mic and talked about drug addiction and how they come hand in hand.  I think the second speaker hit me a little harder because I have had real life experience with some of the issues he was speaking about.  My high school sweetheart got into the wrong crowd and became a meth addict.  It's such a scary life and while he was speaking it brought me back to those memories I had in high school and trying to help the person you love get better.  Addiction can be a disease and you can't force someone to change.  They have to see it in themselves and want to get out of the problems they are faced.  As a outside looker you can show them what their life may be like if they stop their addiction but you yourself can't change them.  In treatments they have step programs and one of those steps is to realize you have a problem, an addiction but you have to realize that you WANT to change it.

I was really touched by this whole thing and think it was extremely cool that they were able to come to SCSU and speak to students about these issues and give stories and information on how to help and stop suicide.  The auditorium was very full which means many students came.  TWLOHA has a website, blog, facebook, myspace and twitter pages that I recommend checking out.  You can also purchase their clothing and other things on this website.  Their website is : http://www.twloha.com
they have videos, blogs, music, and much more information so check it out!!!!