Stress.  Everyone has it.  It comes from various sources and circumstances.  It affects people in many different ways: some work harder and more effectively under stress, others struggle to accomplish anything at all when stressed.  As a nation, we are well acquainted with the severe and drastic measures some students take when stressed.  Today, a New York Times article is reporting about apparent suicide trend at Cornell. According to the article, Cornell has attempted to reach out to students by asking professors to tell students that they are cared for personally, not just academically.  Moments before administering an exam, students hear these words and that is supposed to be sufficient.  Unfortunately, that is probably too little, too late.  Sure, college is a stressful time but stressful enough for suicide?  I don't think so.  Or at least, it shouldn't be.  Some colleges and universities may be striving too hard to maintain the image of elite, superior institutions with no acceptance of weakness.  And it may be costing them in a big way.  Students, people in general, at any age need to feel like they are cared for and that the person sharing their knowledge is interested in more than being smarter than everyone else.