This article is a little different than my usual style of writing because, unfortunately, this issue hits too close to home... literally. When I knew that I had an article due, I was throwing around different ideas of topics. Maybe something about Christmas songs or working out. However, when I woke up to national news about a shooting in my small little hometown, I felt as if I needed to say something about it.

I am upset. I am disappointed. I am heartbroken.

Why is this so common? Why is there not one simple answer to stop mass shootings? Why does it take a shooting happening in your own town to realize how it could truly happen anywhere? This is not meant to advocate for a specific way to stop gun violence because, personally, I can't find an answer that makes sense.

But what I am here to address is what we can control.

We can't control when a shooting will happen, unfortunately, but we can control possible causes.

Be kind to one another. Not all shootings are related to bullying or harassment, but quite a few can be contributed to the isolation people feel. I cannot get into the mind of a shooter and frankly, I will never be able to understand how someone could so easily take the life of an innocent human being and destroy the lives of their friends and family. But because shootings will apparently be a "normal" part of life as an American, it might be time to try.

We can't control who gets affected by a shooting, but we can control how they get treated.

If you are so fortunate as to not be affected, reach out to someone who wasn't as lucky. As a community, we need to band together as much as possible. Cook a meal. Write a card. Call them on the phone. In this day and age, many people struggle with their mental health and it is not something to take lightly. Losing a family member or friend could only make that worse. Please, don't let anyone fall between the cracks. If there is one thing that I am asking of you, it is to be the people we need to be in order to change this world.

We can't control what situation we will be in if it happens, but we can control how prepared we are.

Sign up for an active shooter training if you are able to. Make a plan with your family. If you have children in nearby schools, decide on a meeting place where you can find them if you need to. Nothing breaks my heart more than the thought of having to explain to young children that someone could possibly come to their schools while they are trying to get an education and kill them. Quite honestly, as someone who has siblings in schools as I type this, I am struggling to see through my tears. However, this devastating reality is ours. When in an active shooter situation, remember to run, hide, or fight. RUN first if you can. If not, then HIDE. If you can't do either, the last resort is to FIGHT.

We can't control tomorrow, but we can control today.

Hug your family tight. Don't let stupid arguments stop you from being kind to one another. Say "I love you" to anyone who needs to hear it. I believe that kindness can change the world, if we took every day and treated it as our last, how would you act? Help to spread love in this scary world. Be a friend. Be a member of your community. Be a light. In a place full of darkness and heartbreak, I ask you to try your best to be the reason that someone smiles today.

Here are some links to active shooter education if you would like to learn more:

ready.gov

dhs.gov

smcm.edu

I don't claim to be the most educated on this topic or most affected by recent shootings. However, I am a strong believer in changing this world and I am hoping that if this article finds someone who needs it, then they can take something important away from it.

Lastly, to my sweet hometown of Pensacola, my prayers are with all of the victims and families. I hope for a quick recovery to anyone who is injured. I am most proud of where I am from because of how our small areas band together during trying times. I trust that we will act as a community to do all that we can to help the affected families.