The night before the first day of school, I lay awake, restless. I was eight hours away from becoming a senior, but only one thing was on my mind: Annunciation Catholic School. Since August 27th, the safety of myself and my peers in school has been lingering in my mind. 

     I was not alone in my worries. On Friday, September 5th, students across the nation were inspired by the youth activist group Students Demand Action to leave their classes in a walkout against gun violence. Zayn Kassim, ‘28, a participant in the walkout, said, “hearing about the cause and the idea of keeping gun violence out of schools was something that really resonated with me.” While volunteering with Student Government for MHS’ First Mates orientation, his phone began to blow up. “I have friends from Canada […] up in Edmonton, who were texting me about it.” He adds, “It’s always been a foreign concept. The idea of it being this close was really alarming.” 

     After hearing about the events at Annunciation, another walkout attendee, Kavya Gardiner, ‘28, was left feeling “mainly very disappointed.” She adds that the incident has often left her feeling concerned with the idea of violence in schools. Samara Khan, ’28, who says that they’ve had a more personal experience in the past, sees the incident at Annunciation as “just another reminder.” “I was heartbroken, and that doesn’t even say enough.” Khan recalls that the walkout “was very emotional, especially near the end. There was […] crying and hugging.” 

     I now enter school every day with a pit in my stomach. I second-guess loud noises and live in constant anxiety. Safety shouldn’t be political, and while debates aim to point blame, students are left to cope with the fear after every recurrence.

     As events like these often seem to drift into the past and new headlines fill the media, I am left with grief. Grief for children I do not know, families I have never met, and individuals’ stories I will never hear. If you feel the same way I do, you are not alone. If you have additional concerns or questions about safety and security at MHS, reach out to your assistant principal.