After recent tragic events, more and more people have taken it upon themselves to make their voices heard and speak out for what they believe is right. On March 14th, a bright Wednesday afternoon, students and citizens from all around the Madison, Wisconsin area gathered at the Capitol to participate in a school walk-out to advocate the necessary change in gun control laws.

College students, high school students and middle school students were present, along with your average Madison city residents, and together, everyone bonded over their unified passion for a better and safer life. A life without fear, where, as one of the protester's signs said, a student's biggest fear is pop quizzes.

I myself was present at the event and took a few photographs to shed light on the undeniable integrity and bravery of these students and show recognition towards all the great things people are doing in the hopes of making our country a better and safer place, not only for ourselves, but for our future children and grandchildren as well.

With that, here are some facts about the effects that guns have had on our country throughout the years and why a dramatic shift in solutions is so important. We MUST turn things around.

1. Just last year, there were a total of 346 mass shootings

According to Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit organization that tracks shootings in the United States, the definition of a mass shooting is an incident in which four or more people (excluding the shooter) are shot and either injured or killed while in the same time duration and location. In 2017, mass shootings were the cause of 15,612 deaths and 31,220 injuries.

2. The US may make up less than 5% of the world's population, but contains 31% of global mass shooters

In a research study performed by Adam Lankford, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Alabama, it was found from the analyzed time period of 1966-2012, that there was a strong correlation between a nation's civilian firearm ownership rate and its number of public mass shooters.

3. Not only are mass shootings becoming more common in America, but they are also becoming more deadly

Deadliest so far taking place at a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

4. Despite their education, student opinions are often overlooked or ignored

In fact, a whopping 85% of youngpeople claim that they feel silenced in the debate over gun issues and solutions, despite the fact that they are so heavily affected by it.

5. The recent Parkland shooting was the worst school shooting since Sandy Hook

On February 14th, 2018, 17 high school kids died at the hands of a 19-year-old student with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. It was the 8th deadliestshooting in modern-day US history.

6. Since 2013, there have been 290 school shootings

This data was collected briefly after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting in December of 2012. Of these incidents, scenarios range from mass shootings to accidents, after-hour parking lot fights and suicide. Injuries and deaths recorded included both children and adults.

7. Unfortunately, shootings hardly affect people's views and opinions on gun control

Findings from the Pew Research Centershowed that in 2014, for the first time in twenty years, there was a greater support for gun rights than there was for gun control, despite the relatively recent major shooting at the time.

8. Ironically, as mass shootings and death tolls increase, so do gun manufacturing rates

In 2013, the year after the Sandy Hook massacre, the US had manufactured 11 million guns. That is more than twice the number produced in 2010, which was 5.4 million.

9. Today, gun-related deaths are the third leading cause of death of American children

Within our nation, guns kill morechildren than cancer, infections or heart disease. In fact, in 2010, the number of children and teens injured by firearms was more than three times the number of soldiers injured in the war in Afghanistan.

10. Pediatricians are trying to bring attention to gun control as a public health issue for children but...

Due to federal legislation, the Dickey Amendment restricts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from paying for or partaking in any gun violence research.

11. Despite gun control's lack of popularity, there are a few policies that almost everyone can agree on

Though Republicans and Democrats equally agree on policies preventing people who are mentally ill or on the no-fly/watch list from purchasing guns, there are differences in opinion on policies revolving around concealed carry and guns in schools.

12. Still, mental illness is not a proper excuse when it comes to reasoning or blame

In an analysis written by Columbia University psychiatrist Michael Stone, only 52 out of the 235 killers (approximately 22%) in the database of mass shooters had mental illnesses.

13. The National Rifles Association serves as the nation's superior gun lobby

The NRA is one of the most powerful special interest lobby groups in the US and spends about $3 million each year on influencing members of Congress on gun policy. Amongst senators, almost all that voted against any expansion of background checks received financial support from the NRA in the form of "campaign contributions or independent expenditures".

14. The US has higher gun ownership than any other country.

As a country, America owns an approximate total of 270 million guns. The guns per capita ratio is about 88.8 guns per 100 residents.

15. Not only can teenagers legally own (and purchase) their own gun...

As a citizen or legal resident, you must only be 18 years old to purchase a shotgun or rifle & ammunition.

16. But children can possess their own gun as well

Younger than 18 are able to obtain guns if they were given to them by parents or guardians as gifts (provided that they have written permission).

17. For most all US states, it is perfectly legal to purchase semi-automatic/automatic weapons

Legal to purchase semi-automatic weapons, as well as automatic weapons as long as they were made before 1986. Many question their civilian purpose though since their intended use is not for personal protection or hunting.

18. Often times, guns are bought with a background check

In a survey done by Harvard and Northeastern Universities in 2017, it was found that roughly 1 in 5 gun selling transactions occurred without a background check.

19. Through the "gunshow loophole," guns can still be legally purchased without a background check

According to ATF, anyone can sell a gun without an FFL from their home, online, at a flea market or at a gun show (as long as they are not conducting the sale as a regular business activity), which potentially enables guns to fall into the hands of users that are actually not allowed to own firearms.

20. Even permits aren't always necessary

While some states allow residents to carry handguns without permits, almost no state requires a permit to carry shotguns and rifles.

21. Less than a fourth of US states require handgun permitsrequire permits for purchasing a handgun

Out of the 12, only 3 (California, Connecticut, and Hawaii) require purchase permits for rifles and shotguns

22. Guns aren't exactly all that expensive either

Costs approximately $1500, which is about the same it would cost you to buy a Macbook.

23. Obtaining a background check is rather simple

Checks for Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders consist of phone or online surveys that are estimated to take less than 10 minutes. Even country singer Jason Aldean agrees that "It’s too easy to get guns" and wonders the same thing as many of us regarding "how in-depth is that background check?"

24. Gun incidents are strikingly common

44% of Americans claim that they personally know of someone who has been shot with a gun, either accidentally or intentionally.

25. Suicide is also an important factor to consider regarding a gun's place in a home.

According to American Journal of Public Health, there is a strong correlation between higher levels of gun ownership in a state and higher suicide by firearm rates (making up 60% of gun deaths in recent years).

26. Simply put, more guns = more violence

Areas with more guns are also statistically proven to have a higher number of gun deaths through not only homicide and suicide but also domestic violence and violence against police.

27. The US may be partly to blame for crime in foreign nations

As many as 70% of the guns used in crimes in Mexico (a country with strict gun laws) are traced back to the U.S. where there are weaker gun laws.

28. Maybe protection isn't really necessary if you're not in danger, eh?

A common argument for the possession of firearms is that they provide protection and safety. Yet statistics show that even though blacks are much more likely (41% more!) to be victims of gun homicide than whites, blacks are only half (19%) as likely to possess a firearm in their home.

29. Despite skepticism, gun control does work

In a review of gun control studies (130 studies, 10 countries) published in "Epidemiological Reviews," it was found that when new legal restrictions on owning/purchasing guns were made, results tended to show a drop in gun violence.

30. A little change can still help a lot

Even though no significant changes in gun-related issues are being seen right now, it is not to say that milder measures towards change aren't helping. Examples in both Missouri and Connecticut show that implementing milder gun control measures, including background checks, to reduced injuries and deaths.

*Remember, in order for there to be change, all voices must be heard

Be respectful. It is important to remember that there are always multiple sides to the argument. Everyone has the right to speak what they think, and you deserve to have your voice be heard just as much as the person next to you does, whether you agree with them or not. We must not forget that our ultimate goal is peace, which of course cannot be achieved without unity.

Thank you, students, for your courage and bravery