“I participated in the #WalkOut because to me, it was really important to show our community that we aren’t happy with what is going on in this world. I placed myself in their shoes because you never know what will happen in the future. If this incident happened in or at our school and I was one of the victims, I would want people to take a stand. People go to school to learn, not to be killed, murdered, etc. They go to school to learn, make friends, and creating a career. Everywhere in this world is not safe. Some people might be sitting in class and scared. We might say where we live is safe and nothing will happen, but on the other hand no one knows what will happen to them within one second. Teachers also play a big impact on students. They should also feel safe. I would love if schools were more organized, safe, honorable, and respectful.”

– Sarah AbuRabi

“On February 14, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at Parkland, Florida; 17 victims died, and at least 14 victims were hurt from this horrific shooting. It has affected so many people from not only Florida, but around the world. As a student at McKinley High School, it was very hard for me to understand how someone can be so evil, to be able to do such a thing.

Today, March 14, I gather with friends and classmates in front of our school courtyard in a time of peace and silence for 17 minutes, and each minute dedicated to each loved one that passed away, with a powerful protest against guns, calling for lawmakers to put a more strict policy on gun control. As we were standing together as one, I felt the love and warmth that every individual brought to this walkout. We might think that this was such a small thing that we did. But it can bring attention to this serious matter.

Enough is Enough. It’s time that we take action.”

– Lesoni Kanongataa