The Trauma of Tragedy

Since Columbine, there have been 376 school shootings in America. According to a new report done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death for children in the United States is firearms. We can no longer call school shootings rare, isolated tragedies. Thoughts and prayers will not bring these children back. This is not an issue that one can simply check off on a ballot box. It is life or death for students, teachers, and society. Seeing these horrific events on the news and then walking into class, wondering if my school will be next is a morbid additive to morning routines all across America. Where is the nearest exit? Where is the best place to hide? Is there anything in these cabinets that could be used for self defense? I should really be focusing on calculus right now.

Students protest against school shootings. Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons.