Dear Families of the Sandy Hook victims,

My heart aches for the fallen staff members and innocent children that passed away in this horrifying tragedy. Having to cope with the after math is unbearable. One thing this event has helped me realize in my life is to never take life for granted. To appreciate and cherish all the moments I spend with my family and loved ones.

I’m a sophomore student and every morning when I wake up I tell my family I love them. The reason being is because I never know when it will be my last day. As a student, worrying about my school’s safety should be the last of my worries. This deadly rampage has me questioning my safety at school and whether or not my life’s at risk.

This memorable event has caused awareness Nationwide about school’s safety and gun control. Now President Obama has targeted new gun control laws. Focusing on stricter gun laws is a good start in change that has been brought to the President. I’ve lost a good and loving friend of mine to gun violence. So this idea makes me feel some sort of relief.

As to the teachers that have passed away, they are truly soldiers. Risking their lives to protect their students is an amazing Act of Valor, I hope it never becomes an after-thought. I now appreciate and respect teachers and staff so much more. Once again, I am sorry for your loss. Keep your heads up. As I like to say, through every dark night there’s a brighter day.

Sincerely , Antonela Sequeira