I originally had planned to blog about how awesome it felt to be officially done with the BSN portion of the Accelerated Program, until I flipped on my television yesterday morning...
Scrolling across the bottom of the screen "Newtown Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting 28 people shot and killed; 20 of those being children.
Tears swell up in my eyes... NOT another shooting in less than two weeks... NOT another tragedy to take the lives of innocent people... and during the holiday season ....
Today, I write about the children who will never get a chance to grow up, make memories, and know success or defeat. The parents who will never see their children get off the bus and squeal about how excited they are that Christmas vacation is coming up soon. The students, faculty and neighbors who will have this horrific incident ingrained in their being all because a complete stranger ripped them of innocence in a matter of seconds.
Before I move on, I just want to say to all:: please keep the students, faculty, family and friends of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims in your prayers during this difficult time.
Growing up in a small town similar to Newtown Connecticut, it never even crossed my mind as a child that school was not a safe place to be. It is disheartening that our country has become a place where being in a mall, movie theater, street corner, and even school does not mean you are safe from harm. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up, learn lessons, make mistakes, go to prom, graduate from college, and now tackle nursing school. Oftentimes, I rant or whine about how tired or stressed out I am that my whole life is consumed by school work, studying, and no "me time". When I take a step back I need to remind myself that I am so lucky to even have this opportunity. Many applications roll through the graduate admissions offices of nursing programs, and God has given me the chance to show that I can make a difference.
I think about the officers, nurses and health professionals who had to notify the parents and school officials of lives that were taken too soon. Being in these professions is difficult, but at the same time rewarding that you can make the difference with a simple touch, hug, smile, or listening ear.
It breaks my heart to have to write about such horrific news in my blog, but I think it is far more important to keep others in mind during this time rather than shout about my excitement of being done for the semester. Tonight, parents hug your children a little tighter or non-parents tell someone you love them.. just because...
~ Katie
