As both a student and a concerned American citizen, I was heartsick to learn of the tragic massacre of 17 students in Parkland, Florida on February 14th. One of my college classmates lost a cousin to the senseless violence.

But, at the same time, as I am I disheartened and disgusted by the continued lack of true action by elected officials to help prevent the current scourge of mass shootings which has been ravaging the country for several years now, there is a beacon of hope in all this darkness.

Since the fatal incident, the students of Parkland have rallied to honor their classmates' memories and to use social media as a platform for activism: to hold lawmakers accountable.

They have appeared on CNN, been present at a meeting of the Florida state legislature and used their experience and eloquence to let this country know that they will not sit idly by.

Most importantly, the survivors have organized a march on Washington, to be held March 24. This march alone is expected to attract 500,000 people. Many other "sister marches" have been planned by students across the country to take place in conjunction with the one in the capital.

All that being said, I would like to invite my fellow students, as well as anyone who is empathetic to this cause or cares about this issue, to join me at the State Capitol building downtown at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 24th.

I know that I will probably lose followers due to this article being published, as I have never discussed anything political in my work for this site. I am only breaking that silence now because I truly believe that this evil must be dealt with. The strength and resiliency shown by the student body of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are truly inspiring, and like it or not, the shooting and their response to it is already affecting change and starting important conversations.

Fellow young people like them make me excited for the future of this country.