Thoughts & Prayers: tl;dr I want to be Emma González when I grow up

When I first heard of the preventable disaster in Parkland, Florida I was heartbroken for the students, families, and for the fact that in a few months, a similar event would probably occur. Looking back, I realize how sickening my first instinct was, but I really thought it was true. What would make this any different than Sandy Hook, Pulse, Las Vegas, San Bernardino…….

The second I checked Twitter, I saw it again, the constant debate; “Don’t make this about politics” “Sending thoughts & prayers” “Stop sending thoughts and prayers”

I wasn’t sure what to really think of it all, so I could never imagine how people close to the situation felt.

Weeks went by, but something felt different. The thoughts and prayers continued, but real change was initiated. The activism of Parkland survivors such as Emma Gonzalez, Sam Fuentes, and David Hogg inspired lawmakers, families, and students across the country to act on recent tragedies and come together to let their lawmakers know this can never happen again.

The March for Our Lives was held on March 24, 2018 with 200,000 people in attendance in Washington, DC and millions of people in 800 different cities. I attended the march in Gainesville and was in awe and the courage of MSD student speakers and the fire and passion of local politicians to execute actual progress.

The strength, courage, and resilience in the face of tragedy shown by the students is simply inspiring. Through the chaos and drama of the media, they have handled stress with grace while they grieve and admirable maturity (more shown than that of several members of Congress and some current political leaders). They are being the change they wish to see in the world. They know that political activism inspires progress. I believe they’re the answer to our hopes, thoughts, and prayers.