Wednesday, March 14th was a pretty historical day for American youth voicing their concerns in their nation's politics. Entitled, "National Walk Out Day," this monumental protest was initiated to express concern towards America's gun policies exactly one month after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida school at Stoneman Douglas High School. Students from all across the country stepped out of their classrooms at 10 a.m. to stand in solitude for changes to be made in the way our nation chooses to protect them.

The protest only lasted a good 25 minutes, but not much more time needed to be taken out of these student's school days to convey an argument that so many of us have come to resonate with.

Though this push for a safer change in our school systems only lasted a day, there are many ways we could initiate better camaraderie amongst the lives and relationships of students, so that no tragedy, like the many gruesome ones we've unfortunately dealt with before, ever happen again.

With the advancements made in technology and the major presence social media plays, especially in the lives of young people, it has never been easier for young adults, and even school children, to feel out of place in a world that could seem like it's out to get them. Bullying can be easy to come by amongst school children, and unfortunately, it now has the capablility to follow them even beyond school grounds.

Most of the perpetrators who embark on these mass shootings in our educational institutions are kids who have been teased, shunned, taunted, or judged by the same peers who sit beside them in a classroom. This is where compassion and kindness can take major precedent.

Let us not be so harsh to those who are different than us, but instead look at their viewpoints with a more open mind. Don't ignore that kid who sits alone at lunch or plays by themselves at recess. Get a group of friends to come with you, and sit with them to give them a sense of belonging. We shouldn't assume obvious outcries for help by an individual will be noticed and treated by someone else. Take the initiative to send aid to someone who is struggling the moment you become uneasy that this person is really dealing with some serious issues.

Deep down we are all human beings, and all human beings need love, attention, and kindness. Without those things, it can be hard to not feel angry or resentful towards a society who has shown you none of that.

So understand that last Wednesday was a great first step, but now it's also up to us, the actions of us students, to make those around us feel a little less alone in this crazy world.