I have been teaching in elementary schools for the past 18 years and to know me is to know that I am passionate about seeing the potential in ALL students by providing them with real, relevant experiences that ignite their passion for lifelong learning.  For the past two months, I have been passionately advocating for the students that want gun reform because I believe that EVERY student deserves to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools. It is personal to me for so many reasons.

I remember Columbine – I was getting my teaching degree.

I remember the day my school went on lockdown because there was a gang shooting in the park next to our school playground.

I remember the day my daughter’s school went on lockdown because there was an armed shooter less than a block from her campus and for 20 minutes we didn’t know what was going on as helicopters flew overhead.

I remember Sandy Hook because I grew up in Bethel, CT – one town away – Newtown students were our rivals – not after December 14, 2012.

I remember February 14, because my sister, also a teacher – who lost a student last year to gun violence – called me and said it’s happening again and my 16-year-old daughter and I sat crying as we watched the events unfold in Parkland.

I remember feeling helpless as my daughter cried for the next several days and was afraid to go to school – and I remember how grateful I was for Enloe School Counselor, Ms. Kirkpatrick, and principal Dr. Chavis who guided and supported us both.

I remember being in Washington, DC on March 24 and standing in the crowd in awe as I watched grieving students show a kind of bravery that I know I don’t possess.

All these memories have continued to propel me forward with purpose as I passionately stand with students and do everything in my power to elevate their voices. And all of this brought me to Eva Perry Library on Friday, April 13 for a conversation with three of most inspiring students that I have ever had the privilege of talking to.

They embody one of my favorite quotes from Friday Night Lights,

Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can’t Lose

Please take a listen to them HERE

Consider supporting HERE

And join us on Friday, April 20 at 4:00 pm on the Halifax Mall in Raleigh.