Every year there is one day in April when students across the country take a vow of silence.

Every year since sixth grade, I have participated in the Day of Silence. And every year, I get more and more out of my one day without communication.

The Day of Silence is a way to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues and bring attention to the fact that so many people must remain silent every day for fear that they will be bullied or harassed. It is also a way for participants to feel the frustration of being unable to speak openly.

This year, however, the Day of Silence falls on an unfortunate day for Uni students: Friday, April 25. Friday we have no school! Of course I am excited for an extra day of relaxation, but I am also disappointed because one of the primary aspects of the event is that it takes place at school.

This brings me to my dilemma: With no school on the Day of Silence, is it worth it to participate anyway?

If I do participate, it could be difficult to do something fun like going to a movie. How do you order a ticket without communicating?

If I don’t participate, I can still do something related to the event. In fact, on our very own U of I Quad, there will be a silent lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and a Breaking the Silence Rally from 5 to 6 p.m.

So, even if you don’t want to make the commitment to refrain from communication, you can still show your support. And stop by the Breaking the Silence Rally! It’s sure to be interesting, informative, and fun!