Dear Evan
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Dear Evan

Recently, the Internet was overflowing with feedback of a video that quickly went viral

11
Dear Evan

Four years ago, the nation was heartbroken and torn when an elementary school fell victim to a mass shooter. 27 people lost their lives that day-- 20 students and seven adults, one being his mother. As a junior in high school, I remember reading about the Columbine and Northern Illinois shootings and thinking, "My goodness what could ever bring someone to do something like this?" However, this event was a bit different then the two.

Typically, school shootings are extremely personal and vengeful. A large percentage of school shooters were bullied, and this drastic act of violence is there way of repaying their bullies. Horrible as it is, bullying is 100% preventable.

Jodi Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" was a book I read as a freshman in high school, and I would recommend it to everyone at that age. This book speaks about a young boy and girl, who were brought together by the friendship of their mothers; there was a falling out which led to the children no longer seeing each other. The boy, Peter, grew up "unpopular" and bullied by others. Where as Josie fell to peer pressure and hangs out with, and dates, Peter's bullies. Peter decides one day that he's endured enough abuse and shoots up his school, and in a matter of 19 minutes lives are drastically changed.

As I stated above, the Sandy Hook shooting was a completely different breed of massacre. The shooter, whose name I refuse to remember, attended Sandy Hook Elementary only briefly before his parents sent him to a private grade school. The twenty children he killed did not bully him; he was not drunk; he was not high; he had no signs of any tumors or masses. No one knows quite why he did what he did, and that's what is still hanging over our heads four years later.

This PSA that has been released speaks loudly. Although this is not how this particular mass shooting went down, it is still informative. I have watched it every day at least twice since it broke out. When I first watched this, I had no idea what it was referring to. I was so invested in Evan's could-be romance that I, a person who pays attention to every detail, didn't notice the signs of Evan's classmate.

Sometimes, all it takes is a smile to help someone, but sometimes the damage is already too far gone to repair. There's no hurt in trying.


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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57648
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37153
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958866
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191651
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments