I was a sophomore at SUNY Albany when Columbine happened. I remember that people were shocked about what happened and there was talk about how things needed to change.
I was a teacher when Sandy Hook happened and the conversation about guns and mental health issues became more prevalent.
And now, a month after the tragedy in Parkland, I am reflecting on the state of a generation of children who have grown up in this environment.
This is not a condemnation of guns.
This is not a call for better mental health supports.
This is not urging you to look for signs of bullying.
This is a catharsis of hope for a generation of students.
We have had the “greatest generation,” “generation X,” “generation Y,” and “millenials.” We talk about how things are not getting better for some and how some kids only care about their social profiles.
If we remove the politicization of the issue, I see one thing. Students who are banding together to try and affect change. Whether there is resolution or not, there have been high school aged students who have spoken up and worked to change other’s lives.
My hope is that they never stop.
They find another cause.
They realize that even if they cannot affect change after this tragedy that they don’t accept the status quo and try to continue to make waves.
This way the spirit will not die- we will have future leaders who can make things happen instead of resting on previous accomplishments. We can have young women and men who are unwilling to accept unfair and unreasonable situations and move to change people and institutions.
Nothing lasts forever, however, legacies speak for themselves. While we may forget the names of the people, we can still keep the spirit.
One month after a terrible tragedy and I have hope for a generation. May they never lose their spirit.
