This week, our nation set aside a day to come together to end gun-violence. I'm sure you are already well aware of this considering every time I open my social media I am met with articles, pictures, posters, and videos displaying the country-wide marches. The tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida has shaken the country, and ignited a fire in many people.

I will first state that I am thankful to live in a country in which peaceful protest is allowed. I think we should be able to stand for what we believe in. We all have things we feel strongly about, and I think it is an incredible thing to be the voice for the voiceless. I was too, stunned and shaken by the shooting that occurred last month. As a future educator, I vouch for the fact that schools should be a place in which students feel safe. In no way should a child have to sit in their desk, and mentally plan an escape route if the unthinkable were to go down in their classroom.

Believe me when I say I stand with making schools a safer place. I have siblings in the public school system. I have loved ones in the public school system. I, myself attend a public university. I plan to teach in a public school.

However, I do not think in any way, shape, or form that taking guns away is going to solve this ghastly problem.

Taking away guns is not going to stop bullying.

Taking away guns is not going to stop childhood depression.

Taking away guns is not going to stop the ever increasing childhood suicide rate.

Taking away guns is not going to help end mental illness.

Taking away guns is NOT going to stop people from getting guns.

Taking away guns is not going to help a father protect his family when an intruder breaks in during the night.

Taking away guns is not going to help a security guard protect their school when an intruder manages to (still) make their way into a school.

Taking away guns is not going to stop evil people from coming up with different alternatives to kill.

Taking away guns is NOT going to solve the problem.

Here's what will help solve the problem: advocating/marching for mental health awareness, advocating/marching to end bullying, advocating/marching for more funding for schools to have higher (MORE) security and better security systems and equipment.

We have to grasp a better handle on mental health, or the problem is going to continue to unravel.

We have to fight for more security and armed professionals in schools or the problem is going to continue to unravel.

Simply abolishing the second amendment is going to do nothing but significantly increase the issue. The right to bear arms is a privilege. A privilege that saves countless lives on a daily basis. Lives that would otherwise be taken if the American people were disarmed.

I march for the Military personal who daily risk their lives to protect our country WITH the use of arms.

I march for the police personal who daily risk their lives to protect our country WITH the use of arms.

I march for the people who survive from food they have to hunt and kill themselves WITH the use of arms.

I march for the families who protect their homes WITH the use of arms.

I march for the people who guard our schools WITH the use of arms.

I march for the mental ill who need an advocate.

I march for the bullied who feel alone, forgotten, and unloved.

I march for the students whose lives were cut far too short due to horrendous acts.

I march for the parents/teachers/family/friends of the students whose lives were cut far too short.

I march for the safety, and security of schools to ensure these violent acts are ceased.

ALL lives matter. I march for ALL lives.