Teenage Angst

As everyone may know, a few weeks ago there was a shooting at Chardon High School. School shootings are always devastating, no matter what city, but being so close to home has to make you feel some kind of way.

I remember where I was when I first found out. I was on my way to class. Listening to Rover's Morning Glory. It's the only talk radio I'm really into that early in the morning. As soon as I cut it on, they had already had someone on scene. I was confused as to what was actually going on right away, but once I understood. I was saddened. Chardon is nothing but 20 minutes or so away from me. That's close to home no matter how you see it. And what makes it even worse, is that it could have all been prevented.

I know how cruel children can be. And those cruel children grow up to be cruel adults. It doesn't change, the victim does. As you grow up, you learn to be stronger. To me, it all goes back to how you were raised. Don't get me wrong, I have been a bitch from time to time in my day, but majority of my life, I like to believe that I treat people how I would want to be treated. Even if I don't like someone, I still try to treat them with common respect. I don't have to be your friend to try and treat you like a human being.

High school is cruel, hard and unforgiving. On top of that, mentally, we aren't our true selves at that time in our lives. We're mirror images of what we deem as 'cool'. Whatever it is we're longing to be.

I wasn't bullied in high school. I was pretty, and smart, and a cheerleader, but I still always had issues being comfortable in my skin. I should be dead about 10 times over. All because I was so busy longing for acceptance from others, that I forgot to accept myself.

When I hear things about suicide and school shootings, I get it (I would have never shot up my school). I understand what it feels like to be that low. If you ever find yourself in that place, just know, it doesn't get better. Life is hard and the easiest thing you can do is accept that, but know, you'll adapt. You'll get stronger. You'll make it through. Today, 3 children are dead. 3 families have lost someone so special to them. All because some damaged soul, couldn't handle the 2 worst years of his life.

When you go out in the world today, watch your actions, listen to your words. It's easier to be nice than it is to be rude.