April 20, 1999 is infamously known as the date of the Columbine massacre, which is known today as one of the worst school shootings in America's history. On this day, several were killed and even more injured. The shooters then took their own lives, all just weeks before high school graduation.

On April 16, 2007, tragedy struck the campus of Virginia Tech University with another mass shooting. There were 32 people that were killed by a fellow student who took his own life shortly after. What started out as a typical day on campus turned into the last moments for those who lost their lives.

December 14, 2012 was the day that Adam Lanza fired in Sandy Hook Elementary School, killing 20 first grade students, along with six other faculty members. He again, committed suicide shortly after. Parents sent their six-year-old child off to school without knowing that they would never come home again.

February 14, 2018 - Valentine's Day no longer has the same meaning for families of 17 people that were killed at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Not long after on May 18, 2018, several were shot and others wounded at Santa Fe High School in Texas.

I know there are many other mass shooting incidents that have occurred, but these are some of the more prominent or recent ones. So many innocent lives have been claimed in places of education. I cannot imagine how I would have felt if this were one of my children. Also, I can’t fathom what I would do if I knew one of my kids had been the shooter. In either situation that would be a living nightmare and I pray I never have to face that.

I want to plainly state that I do not despise guns. I don’t believe that taking away Constitutional rights will solve anything. I personally do not mind guns. I have shot recreationally with friends, and I really enjoyed it. I also shot a Genesis compound bow in competition for seven years, so it would be very hypocritical of me to say that guns are the issue here.

What I believe to be the prominent issue is who is allowed access to firearms. Guns alone are not dangerous. I have sat in the same room as my grandfather’s rifles that were mounted on the wall, and they did not injure me in any way.

I do recognize the potential for violence and injury that exists with a gun if not handled properly. For example, I do not believe that I alone should be trusted with a loaded rifle or pistol. I have shot them before, but I have never had proper and extensive training.

It is important to know what you are doing when handling a firearm, because misuse or improper use could very easily lead to death. I have a family member that always requires her son to keep his guns locked in a safe, especially when other people are visiting. I definitely commend her for that.

In addition to having proper training, I think it is important to be mindful of exactly who firearms are being given to regardless of that person's knowledge. Background checks should be mandatory. Nowadays, it is too hard to tell who is safe to give a gun to.

After doing some research on the shootings listed above, a common trait in the perpetrator in each situation is mental illness. The mental illness varied, whether it be bullying or another incident from their past, but nonetheless it was present. Giving a gun to someone who is showing signs of mentally struggling or even has had a past with it is not wise. If someone has had a past with a mental illness and has improved, then that is different. They need to have shown that they have sought out help and made substantial progress, because someone who feels like violence is the only way out of their problems should not be trusted with a firearm.

If there is someone you know who is clearly struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anything that might be damaging to them or someone else, encourage them to seek out help. It is okay to recognize dangerous thoughts and feelings, but it is not okay to act out on them. It is okay to get help if you need it. Don't push away people who clearly love you enough to reach out. Don’t blame the gun when there could be a bigger personal issue. I believe it is when this gets recognized that progress in this area will be made.