School shootings are happening too often. It is not okay that this generation has become accustomed to hearing the words “there has been another school shooting.” The United States of America is supposed to be a place where everyone has a chance for a new future, the land of dreams, the place for safety. Yet, we do nothing when something tragic happens. In 2012, Adam Lanza walked into an elementary school and shot 20 kids and 6 adults, right before that, he shot his mother. People always say kids are the future if we are, why isn’t anyone doing anything to protect us. If it doesn’t take 20 kindergartners to die, what will?
As a kid, adults think we cannot comprehend or fully understand what is happening in the world, but we do. The problem is we do not feel heard. We don’t think anyone will actually listen. Instead of talking, The Corpus Christi Middle School participated in a national walkout. On Wednesday the 14th, promptly a month after the Stoneman Douglas shooting, 75 middle schoolers walked down Park Boulevard. Some linked arms, some held signs, and some stood quietly in reflection. I am proud to say I was a part of this national walkout. Knowing that you were reflecting on the same problems that thousands of other kids were thinking about at the same time really gave me a sense of empowerment.
This walkout was to get attention from the public and for people to do something about gun laws and children’s safety. It did not rain so that crisis was averted. I have never seen my class so in sync about what we wanted to do, how we wanted to do it, and why. I talked to my classmates about what it meant to them and why they were willing to give up their own times. Here is what they said.
“Well, I felt kinda excited. It felt good to stand up for something I believe in and that’s a better tomorrow for all. After Parkland, I really thought that there was gonna be a change. And if change doesn’t come in our parent’s generations, it surely will come in ours. There comes a time in your life, when you must decide that there are certain things, ideas, and beliefs, that you must stand up for, must make sacrifices for.”
“I felt my opinions were supported by my peers and the outside world and our class as a whole learned more about what is happening in our society. I was willing to give up my time because it was and is a cause I believe in. I wanted to show people that it is not alright what is going on and just speaking up is helping if that's all you can do.”
“I felt empowered and thought it raised awareness and showing solidarity. Although it was sad, it is important that we show people that this matters and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I was willing to give up my time because it is important to show people that this matters and to honor the 17 people who were killed.”
The adults might have thought we used this opportunity to skip class, but as you just read, we care. I really hope that people don’t think “Well, now I’ve walked out, that’s all I can do.” We can do so much more, plenty of schools are writing letters to different government officials, we can do another peaceful protest, or just talk about it. Sit down with a friend and really get their views on this particular subject, I dare you. There needs to be a change and we can help make it happen.