I remember what I was doing on December 14, 2012. I was a junior in high school going about my day like any other. It was a Friday and I remember walking into my Algebra 3:Trigonometry class when I heard the news about Sandy Hook. I remember taking my seat at the front of the class when my friend Ellen started telling me what was going on.
She said that there had been a shooting at an elementary school and that while details were developing, kids had been killed. At first, I couldn’t comprehend why there could ever be a shooting at an elementary school. Those children are babies, what have they done to deserve that? Especially so close to Christmas!
I went home after school and turned on the television. Every channel was covering the incident. Cameras capturing the scene from the sky, reporters trying to get interviews, and the shocking images of children crying as they were evacuated from the school. Or the image that has struck to me over all these years, the image of a girl about to get into her car crying on the phone.
I remember walking into my Sociology class my first year and meeting a girl that sat in front of me. We exchanged the usual first year information such as name, major, and where we were from. When she told me she was from Newtown, the first thing that came out of my mouth was “I’m sorry”.
As the 4th anniversary of that horrific day quickly approaching, the Sandy Hook Promise has released a video of a love story between two high school students. Viewers follow the story of a boy looking for the girl he has been communicating with via notes on a desk. What most don’t see, is that the whole time viewers are watching the love story unfold, a boy in the background is battling with mental health issues. The ending of the video has such an impactful turn of events that makes viewers pay attention to the signs to help prevent gun violence.
So as finals quickly approaching and the idea of finishing the semester strong is the only thing occupying our minds, let take a moment on December 14th to remember those who were lost that day due to gun violence. Lets send our love to the families that go on another year without their children. And spread the love within each other so that we know that we are loved and never alone.
To learn more about the Sandy Hook Promise or to watch the Evan video in full log onto sandyhookpromise.org.
Much love Stags!