The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Campus mourns loss of international student

    All week, Southeastern’s campus has been in mourning after learning of international student Ritesh Chaudhary’s suicide last Sunday.
    According to a statement released by the Office of Public Information, the University Police Department has completed its investigation into the suicide. From Nepal, Chaudhary was 19 years old and a second-semester freshman majoring in engineering technology in good academic standing. The student was last seen at 7:30 p.m. and found by his roommate at 10:30 p.m., when the University Police Department was notified. Louisiana State Police assisted in the investigation.
    Nepalese students make up the largest portion of Southeastern’s international student community, with approximately 120 students. According to Dr. Eric Summers, assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs and director of Multicultural and International Student Affairs, Chaudhary’s death has affected the campus on several levels, but has hit this community the hardest.
    “What I have seen is a profound sadness in the Nepalese community,” said Summers. “They are a close knit group; they are family. When they lose any member of their group, I imagine it would be like you or I losing an immediate sibling. I will say that the Nepalese students have done wonders with helping the administration work with the family. Without their help, there would have been a lot of barriers.”
    The Nepalese Student Association of Southeastern held a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of Chaudhary on Friday, April 26. The ceremony took place at 7 p.m., and approximately 100 students, faculty and staff were in attendance. Though it has shaken the Nepalese community, it has helped to pull them closer and make them realize just how important they are to one another.
    “This has never happened before,” said Prashanta Raj Panta, a sophomore accounting major. “It’s like a loss of family for us. Being so far away from our country and living in the United States with this 120-person group makes us like a family. We were all shocked and panicked at the time, but it has made us aware of our importance to each other. But we cannot define the loss of our beloved friend.”
    Before lighting the candles, a few of Chaudhary’s friends and teachers shared their memorable, and happier, experiences with him, like his wry sense of humor and teaching him to play pool. But after the candles were lit, there was only silence.
    “It’s shocking, nobody expected this, “said Dr. George Gipson, advisor of the NSAS. “This kind of untimely death, compared to other cultures, is rare in Nepalese culture. Ritesh had a 4.0 and was an extraordinary student; these only add to the shock.”
    Dr. Barbara Hebert, director of the University Counseling Center, offered advice on how to spot someone at risk of committing suicide. According to Hebert, changing in eating or sleeping patterns, feelings of hopelessness, problems concentrating and inability to enjoy activities can indicate depression, a major contributor to suicide. Warning signs of suicidal thoughts include talking about dying, recent loss, change in behavior or personality, no hope for the future, fear of losing control and low self-esteem.
    “If you’re concerned about a friend, talk to them and be specific,” said Hebert. “But avoid being critical or judgmental. Encourage them to go to the counseling center, and if they don’t want to go, don’t take it personally. Let them know that you are there for them.”
    Hebert urged that if any students, faculty or staff recognize these signs, they are to share their concerns with faculty or staff members on campus and with the person’s parents or guardians.
    The UCC is located at 912 W. Oak St. across from Pursley Hall and the World’s End Cafe and can be called at 985-549-3894. There are also several suicide hotlines that can be reached if needed: 24-hour suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255, a second 24-hour suicide hotline at 1-800- 784-2433, 24-hour suicide hotline for the hearing impaired at 1-800-779-4889 and crisis/suicide prevention hotline for veterans at 1-877-838-2838.
     

    Leave a Comment
    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Your donation will support The Lion's Roar student journalists at Southeastern Louisiana University.
    In addition, your contribution will allow us to cover our annual website hosting costs.
    No gift is too small.

    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Comments (0)

    Comments and other submissions are encouraged but are subject to The Lion's Roar Comments and Moderation Policy. All views expressed are those of the author and should not be interpreted as the views of The Lion's Roar, the administration, faculty, staff, or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.
    All The Lion's Roar Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *