It has been 25 years since the Columbine High School shooting, and the anniversary serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing trauma and fear that mass shooting survivors continue to endure. As a survivor of the Columbine shooting, the author reflects on the events of that day in 1999, when two students opened fire at the school, killing and injuring many of their peers. The author recalls the fear and confusion felt during the shooting and the aftermath, as well as the guilt of not knowing the shooters’ intentions beforehand.
The impact of the Columbine shooting has had lasting effects on the author’s life, including struggles with mental health and difficulties in pursuing her passions of writing and art. Despite seeking therapy, the author found it challenging to move past the trauma and faced shame and guilt for being associated with such a notorious event. For many years, she remained silent about her experience, feeling trapped in a cycle of fear and trauma that prevented her from fully expressing herself.
The trauma of gun violence, especially in the form of mass shootings, has far-reaching effects on individuals and communities, impacting relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. Despite numerous studies on the effects of gun violence, little has been done to address the root causes of these tragedies. Politicians offer thoughts and prayers in response to mass shootings but fail to take action to prevent future incidents, leaving survivors feeling silenced and marginalized.
The normalization of mass shootings in the United States is deeply troubling, as children are taught to fear and prepare for such events as part of their daily lives. The author questions why more has not been done to prevent gun violence and protect children and families from the devastating effects of mass shootings. She emphasizes the need for action and change to ensure that no more lives are lost to gun violence in the future.
Despite the ongoing challenges and trauma faced by survivors of mass shootings, the author has found her voice as an advocate for trauma survivors and violence prevention. By sharing her story and teaching safety skills to others, she hopes to inspire change and empower others to speak out against gun violence. However, she acknowledges the difficulty of finding a happy ending in the face of such profound grief and loss, and expresses doubt that change will come without a collective effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals.
As the author reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, she urges others to take action and make a difference in preventing future tragedies. By speaking out and advocating for change, she hopes to create a safer and more empowered society where gun violence is no longer accepted as a normal part of life. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, the author remains committed to sharing her story and helping others find hope and healing in the aftermath of trauma and tragedy.
