When we were four years old, 13 students and a teacher were killed in the Columbine High School massacre. Our parents were struck with fear, but at least we were quite a few years from high school. We began “active shooter” drills in elementary school - learning to hide in a corner under the teacher’s desk and away from windows.
When we were twelve years old, 32 people were killed in the Virginia Tech shooting. Once again, parents, families, friends were struck with fear that such a horrendous act of violence could occur on a college campus - an institution where students make their second home. We were still quite a few years from attending, but our parents began warning us of the potential dangers around a college campus.
When we were seventeen, 26 people, students and teachers, were killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. Death had followed us to the doors of our own schools. We were old enough to understand that active shooter drills only assuaged the fear of naive minds. Students and parents across the country begged for protection and safety, so our schools installed metal detectors at the entrances of schools.
While we were still seventeen, 12 people were killed in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Death had followed us into the home of one of America’s beloved past times. My own parents never allowed me to go see a movie in theaters for the rest of that year, and as an adult now, I say prayers before walking into any theater for a movie or show.
When we were twenty-one, 49 people were killed in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
When we were twenty-two, 60 people were killed at a music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. Death followed us to our vacations and celebrations.
When we were twenty-three, 17 students and teachers were killed at a school in Parkland, Florida. Death evaded the metal detectors at our schools’ front doors and our country once again mourned the loss of our children and educators. Parents, teachers, classroom friends, and older siblings like myself once again begged for safety and protection.
While we were still twenty-three, we lost 11 of our Jewish American community members in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When we were twenty-four, 23 people were killed inside a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.
When we were twenty-five, 10 people were killed inside a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, and when we were twenty-six, 10 more people were killed inside another grocery store in Buffalo, New York. Death walked through sacred doors where we practice our freedom of religion, and again through the doors of local shops where we buy our necessary groceries. Now, I pray before I leave the house every morning, and when I come home every night, because death follows me wherever I go.
It is disturbing to realize that an entire generation of Americans have been raised through mass shooting after mass shooting. However, we know there are ways to prevent death from following us and striking with tragedy. The answer is not active shooter drills, metal detectors, or body armor. The leaders of this country must urgently pass legislation to regulate access to assault rifles and other guns or war weapons, and provide holistic support to community members who are in danger of harming themselves or others. Inaction by Congress will only result in the continued death of our innocent children and precious teachers, our friends and families.
A message from our partner:
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has called to assist and support the community of Uvalde, TX. Where 90 percent of the students of Robb Elementary School identify as Hispanics and more than four-fifths are economically disadvantaged, this community NEEDS our collective prayers, help, and support.
As a 501c3, 100% of the contributions are charitable and will go directly to the families of victims and survivors. At times of unimaginable pain, LULAC has been present to financially support communities through past tragedies like this and natural disasters.
