The Effect of Mass Shootings on Students

Tazu Luisi Staff WritEr

The recent mass shootings in Los Angeles and Half Moon Bay, both targeting the Asian-American community, have left a profound impact on the students at Mills High School, a predominantly Asian-American school. These events have sparked fear and frustration among many, as students attempt to grapple with these horrifc incidents and the lack of action by the government, with both shootings so close to home. As I was in the midst of writing this article, President Biden in his recent state of the union address called for a ban on all assault weapons. This call for action comes in response to the recent mass shootings in Los Angeles and Half Moon Bay, which targeted the Asian-American community. However, given how divided American politics have been as of late, a president calling for something this ambitious is no guarantee it will happen.

Kelly Kuang (12), a fellow student at Mills High School, shared her thoughts on the matter, saying “Shootings are horrible and terrifying. It scares me to think that children have to go through this and that it can happen to us.” Kuang believes that changes can be made to protect citizens and children, but she is disappointed by the lack of action taken by government leaders to address gun violence. “It’s very disappointing that gun violence just keeps going on even after so many events have already happened and the government is still not assuring that there is maximum security, es- pecially at schools,” she says. While students don’t want metal detectors and armed guards at every door, it’s easy to feel like Mills is unsafe with its somewhat lax security, given the infux of mass shootings targeting High Schools and Asian Americans.

Tristan Lee (12), another student at Mills High School, echoes Kuang’s concerns. “As an Asian-American, I empathize a lot with the people who were targeted and attacked,” Lee says. “I know this sort of thing is very out of depth for a lot of people, especially in Asian or Chinese communities, and I feel for the families dealing with the aftermath.” Lee is also disheartened by the lack of action by government leaders in addressing gun violence. “The lack of action by government leadership is really disconcerting to me. They don’t see gun violence as a problem they need to be worried about,” he says.

In light of these events, many of us are grappling with our own thoughts and feelings about gun control. Lee says, “I think good, well-regulated gun control is important. But at the same time, I’d like to be able to protect myself if anything happens, so I don’t support banning all guns.” Kuang adds, “Gun violence that happens due to racism is absolutely unforgivable and scary. If my community becomes the target, I most defnitely will fght for equality and safety.”

The fear of future shootings has also made the transition into adulthood a daunting one for many of us. Lee refects, “Going into adulthood feels really concerning in the context of shootings. I feel like if your life is always at risk, then it’s really diffcult to go about living life like everything’s normal.”

These recent mass shootings have left an impact on the students at our school, and serve as a reminder of the need for better protection at our schools, more preventive measures against getting a gun, and stricter gun control in general, as well as support for those affected by gun violence. Despite our fear and disappointment, I know many in our generation remain determined to fght for our safety, the recent events have left many with a heavy heart, but they have also shown us the importance of coming together as a community to support one another and bring about change. Hopefully, our government leaders will follow suit and take action to address gun violence and ensure the safety of all citizens.

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