Reflecting on the tragedy at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
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As a 19 year old at Virginia Tech on April 16th, I remember how devastating, disorienting, and emotionally exhausted I felt the day of and days after the tragedy. The only clarity on the days following the tragedy was in the decision to help.
When my classmates and I organized a candle light vigil to honor the lives lost, performed acts of service, held each other sobbing when we were too weak to stand, and became more united as a community than ever - none of it ever felt like a conscious choice, it was all there was to do.
For this to continue to happen to kids in grade school over a decade later is beyond my comprehension. That disorienting feeling that I felt as a teenager returned upon hearing the news.
But where there is hurt, there is hope. Where there is tragedy, strong communities come together and become stronger than ever - and I know that the community at Apalachee High School band together and will support one another just as we did as kids at Virginia Tech.
Sending love and healing wishes to all those affected. Continuing to fight for a country has the courage to make changes that protect kids and educators for good.