In wake of the tragedy that happened last week in Parkland Florida on February 14th, 2018, it’s important to remember how powerful our voices are. We are reminded over and over again, that there are still reasons to this day that we need to use our voices, that we are stronger when united together for a cause. Too often do we think “this won’t happen to us”, until it does. We only learn when the consequence affects us directly, and that is something we should begin putting an end to. We have voices more powerful than we think, it’s why many people choose to speak out on social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram. People like journalists seek job opportunities to give a voice to minorities, and others who can’t be heard or are chosen to be silenced, because the power of using your voice is the strongest “weapon” we have. It is time for all of us to begin speaking up about things we believe go against our well-being, things that directly affect our families and places we are meant to feel safe and secure. The fact of the matter is, this tragedy could have happened at any given location. Most, if not all, places where people go to enjoy themselves, earn higher education, or work to make ends meet; places people are meant to feel safe. This is the 18th mass shooting to happen in just 2018, and we still haven’t seen any changes being made to laws because it’s a “people problem, not a gun problem” in the eyes of many people. Many of those people are for arming staff and teachers at schools, instead of taking away the actual problem. I’ve watched people claim that arming children would benefit them in the long run, when children don’t even understand when people pass away normally in many cases. If they have the right to speak their minds, so does everyone else. Our voices mean a lot, and they will be what guides us to the changes we seek. It is important to spread love and hope to people in these times of need to help them heal yes, but it’s also important to stand up for them and make changes happen, the best way we can. Protest, stand up and use your voice, write, use social media, get your messages out there and don’t let them silence you. This is the world we live in, and the only one we’ve got, so we have to take care of it in the best possible way we can. I’ve seen interviews with young boys and girls, in which they have voiced their plans to make changes in the coming future when they can vote, they openly voice their views of those in power and say they will put an end to their power if they continue to put their lives above the Citizens of the United States. This is the future of our generation and those to come, the voices that will carry the world for the next decade and those after. Changes can only be made by those who go after it, and right now there are many that must be made. We must speak up, whether it be for Gun Control, Women’s Rights, LGBT movements, Racism, and a myriad of other issues; our voices are what will make changes. It’s where it all starts. Our voices will be heard, and will not be silenced if we make it so. If you remember the importance of it, it will do amazing things. Continue to speak out and seek change, continue to dream and reach for them, continue to make a difference. It’s the only way we will lead better lives for a brighter future.