March for Our Lives: Students Aiming to End Gun Violence

By: Noah Benjamin Dobson | Written on 4.4.2018

On Saturday, March 24, over a million students took their stand in the March for Our Lives event in Washington D.C. and in over 800 cities with a widespread march to intensify the need for gun regulation.

Amongst the participants was Katrina Nguyendon, an 18 year-old Senior of Union High School, who had an extraordinary time.

“Being apart of the march was an unforgettable experience. Seeing my peers and other residents feeling so passionate about people they’ve never met, gave me a lot of hope in where our protests will be bringing us. To hear the speeches and march alongside chants, and feeling the vibes of change radiating amongst me was an amazing experience.”

From the start of January to March 2018, there have been recordings of 17 school shootings in the United States reported by CNN. Despite many students not facing gun violence personally, the frequency of these school shootings combined with loose gun control laws have made students apprehensive about attending school.

18-year old Sarah Osborne of Fairleigh Dickinson University revealed her stresses on the plight, especially after her uncle was held up at gunpoint outside of his home in Irvington a couple of weeks ago.

“I've been more anxious in common areas within my school, and have been mentally noting escape paths if something happened. My dad has tried to encourage me to put a piece of Kevlar material in the lining of my backpack.”

Therefore, March for Our Lives was like an exhaled breath for many students who seemed to have not been able to express their fears and anger.

20 year-old Junior of Kean University, Katarzyna Sierant, was thrilled about March for Our Lives.

“When I first heard about the event, I was happy to hear about it. The Women's March happened just about a month ago and there were thousands walking. I knew just as many would show up for this march, and it's good to see most of the nation uniting over such an important issue.”

“I was so proud of people my age, especially those still in high school, that were organizing these events on their own; that they are passionate about doing something that many people are telling them not to do. I feel it completely contradicts the narrative of Gen Z and millennials not caring at all about politics,” stated Sarah Osborne.

However, Katarzyna shared her skepticism on the event leaving an enlightening impression on politicians.

“I don’t think so, sadly. Politicians won't look out their window and be like ‘Oh! Wow! So many people actually showed, up, maybe I'll vote yes for regulated gun control.’ I know that some politicians have their own agendas, have payoffs from companies they have to support and follow. “

The similar view was shared by Sarah who stated: “I don't think it has made an immediate dent in gun violence...This march acted as a wake up call to say, this wasn't the norm 20 years ago, and it shouldn't be the norm today.”