An Open Letter to the Survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

An Open Letter to the Survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

We are standing by you and we are listening to you.

Katie Ingram
Feb 28, 2018
Tuscaloosa, AL
337
An Open Letter to the Survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Pexels.com

I want to start off by stating that I, along with so many others, are grieving with you and for you. The loss you have endured is something that no child should ever experience, especially at a place you should feel safe. You woke up on February 14, 2018 and could never have been prepared for the heartbreak, loss, and tragedy that this day, the international day of love, had in store for you.

It is completely unfair that you will now shudder at the sound of a firework, thoughts rushing to that unforgettable day, questioning if that noise was real. It is completely unfair that you had to attend the funerals of classmates and faculty that you have loved and admired for years. It is completely unfair that you were forced to question if you were going survive. It is completely unfair that such an evil act has changed your life forever.

I am sorry. I am sorry that this was not stopped.

However, survivors of Douglas High School, what you have already accomplished in the wake of this indescribable tragedy is so inspiring. You have started the conversation that is so desperately needed. You have gotten people thinking. You have shown that there are voices to the survivors and you will NOT be silenced. You have catapulted a movement to ensure that this will #NeverAgain happen.

I am following your twitters, I am watching your interviews, I am hearing every word. You are evoking change. You are rising from this tragedy and have decided to make a difference so that no one else has to experience what you were forced to endure.

You are organizing a march that will change the world. March for our Lives is extremely important and you are using your voices to advocate for a much-needed change in this country. This will lead to policies that will ensure the safety of all, and it will have started with your bravery.

We are listening, D.C. is listening, and the world is listening. Keep your voices shouting for this change. Continue to be the leaders that we are so desperate for. We are all in awe of your courage and perseverance.

And regarding the ones who are questioning you, do not ever let them discourage you. Do not ever let them stop you. Continue to prove to them your strength, bravery, and commitment to providing this change.

I am standing by you and I am rooting for you. Never give up this hope to make this world a better place. You are inspiring a generation.

A generation who needs you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead

Panicking and pulling all-nighters will not allow you to get an A.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook
158
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less
college
Featured

Warnings About College To Incoming Freshmen As Told By Gifs

College is hard, but you will make it through.

University of Delaware
265
college just ahead sign
Wordpress

1. You will have that special "college" look to you.

2. You will feel like an adult but also feeling like a child.

Community Donaldglover GIFfrom Community GIFs

3. You will have classes that are just the professor reading from their lecture slides for an hour.

Powerpoint Michael Scott GIFfrom Powerpoint GIFs

4. You will need to study but also want to hang out with your friends.

I Feel Like Its Been Forever Since We Just Hung Out Lauren Lindsey Donzis GIFfrom I Feel Like Its Been Forever Since We Just Hung Out GIFs

5. Coffee is your best friend.

6. You don't know what you're doing 99% of the time.

7. You will procrastinate and write a paper the night before it is due.

Ciúmes GIFfrom Keyboard Warrior GIFs

8. Money is a mythical object.

The Office Bankrupt GIFfrom The Office GIFs

9. It is nearly impossible to motivate yourself to go to classes during spring.

10. The food pyramid goes out the window.

11. You will have at least one stress induced breakdown a semester.

Community Abed GIFfrom Community GIFs

12. Most lecture classes will bore you to tears.

Big Bang Theroi Sheldon Cooper GIFfrom Big Bang Theroi GIFs

13. You will not like all of your professors.

Movies Quotes GIFfrom Movies GIFs

14. You will try to go to the gym... but you will get too lazy at some point.

15. When you see high school students taking tours:

16. You will try to convince yourself that you can handle everything.

17. Finals week will try to kill you.

18. You won't like everyone, but you will find your best friends sooner or later.

Best Scene From This Movie GIFfrom Comedy GIFs

19. You actually have to go to class.

Who Needs College GIFfrom Parks And Rec GIFs

20. Enjoy it, because you will be sad when it is all over.

Graduation GIFfrom Graduation GIFs
college gifs
Swoon

To The Girls With "Daddy Issues," You Are Worthy Of The Love He Never Gave You

You are not alone.

6824
girl with a hat
Persnickety Prints on Unsplash

This is for the girls who have dealt with an emotionally, mentally, physically or verbally abusive father.

The ones who have grown up with a false lens of what love is and how relationships should be. The ones who have cried themselves to sleep wondering why he hurts you and your family so much. This is for all the girls who fall in love with broken boys that carry baggage bigger than their own, thinking it's their job to heal them because you watched your mother do the same.

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Entertainment

Why Blair Waldorf Is The Realest Bitch To Ever Live

XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Michigan State University
1538
Blair Waldorf Quote
"DESTINY IS FOR LOSERS. IT'S JUST A STUPID EXCUSE TO WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM HAPPEN." - BLAIR WALDORF.

The world stopped in 2012 when our beloved show "Gossip Girl" ended. For six straight years, we would all tune in every Monday at 9:00 p.m. to see Upper Eastside royalty in the form of a Burberry headband clad Blair Waldorf. Blair was the big sister that we all loved to hate. How could we ever forget the epic showdowns between her and her frenemy Serena Van Der Woodsen? Or the time she banished Georgina Sparks to a Christian summer camp? How about that time when she and her girls took down Bart Bass? Blair is life. She's taught us how to dress, how to be ambitious, and most importantly, how to throw the perfect shade.

Keep Reading...Show less
blair waldorf
Student Life

11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced

Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into

Drexel University
710
too tired to care

We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.

1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.

Awkward Icarly GIFfrom Awkward GIFs

You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!

Keep Reading...Show less
freshman

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments