By Toni Powell
With the ongoing shootings at public schools, it is clear that a majority of Americans are
in a state of distress. Less than a month ago, a massacre took place at a private Christian school in Tennessee, claiming the lives of six people - three children, and three adults, one being the head of the school.
As the days progressed, protests would break out through the streets of Nashville as a
mass number of students, school officials, and parents advocate for reforms on gun laws. As of right now, the Nashville school shooting marks the 19th school shooting in America and is by far the deadliest this year.
To many young students, schools are no longer seen as a safe haven. With the constant
the threat of gun violence and fatalities, many students and parents are opting out of traditional schooling for homeschooling.
To gain more insight into what students think about the rise of gun violence, I asked two
NCC students about their thoughts on school shootings. I asked Emily Runke, 19, and Zeba
Vora, 18.
Emily’s POV
Q: With the recent issue of gun violence at school, how safe do you feel at NCC?
A: The increasing gun violence at school has left me feeling uneasy when walking around
campus.
Q: What do you think NCC can do to make their students feel protected?
A: NCC could focus on more security measures around campus with guards covering more areas of the school.
Q: If you know someone who struggled with anxiety going to school, what would you say?
A: School doesn’t last forever, the journey is only temporary. Whatever anxiety you hold
towards the environment of the school, those feelings will wash away at graduation.
Zeba’s POV
Q: With the recent issue of gun violence at school, how safe do you feel at NCC ?
A: I think that most schools around the city have an adequate amount of security in Norwalk
Public Schools and NCC. But I feel the need to carry safety tools in order to keep me safe as a
woman.
Q: What do you think NCC can do to make their students feel protected?
A: I think as a scholar at NCC, we should definitely have more safety, especially for students that have classes in the evening since parents are more concerned during that period of time. Having classes that teach students about safety techniques outside of school is also a factor that comes into play for individuals to learn the art of protecting themselves from any harm.
Q: If you know someone who struggled with anxiety going to school, what would you say?
A: I would tell them to talk to a peer whether inside or outside of campus so they can get some feedback on what they should do for how they are feeling and what is the major cause for their feelings. Although scenarios, such as the Nashville school shooting, have caused concern, there are many students who hope that gun laws will change due to students' pursuit and call of action for change. But as of right now, all we can do is wait.
Toni Powell is a writer for The Voice.
Voice writer Melanie Brito edited the article.