The Fragile Sense of Security: Brown University Students Reflect on Dual Tragedies

A Troubling Reality for Students

In the wake of the tragic shooting that transpired at Brown University, the emotional scars of anxiety and fear have resurfaced for two students, Mia Tretta and Zoe Weissman. Both have previously experienced gun violence in their educational environments, bringing a painful sense of familiarity to their current scenario.

Survivors of Surveillance

Mia Tretta, a junior, was shot during a 2019 incident at Saugus High School in California, where five students were shot, resulting in two fatalities. On Saturday, while studying for her finals in her dormitory, she received horrific news of yet another school shooting outside Barus and Holley, the engineering building she initially planned to study in.

“People always think, well, it'll never be me,” Mia reflected. “And until I was shot in my school, I also thought the same thing.”

This tragic realization illustrates a broader societal issue: the recurring violence that can compel students to reconsider their choices and investments in academic futures.

A Second Traumatized Generation

Zoe Weissman, another Brown sophomore, witnessed the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, from her middle school next door. When alerted about Saturday's shooting, her instinctual feelings of panic cycled into deep anger.

“What I've been feeling most is just, like, how dare this country allow this to happen to someone like me twice?” Zoe expressed vehemently.

Both students articulated how their recent experiences have stripped away a foundational belief: that statistics could keep them safe and that they would likely not encounter violence again in their lifetimes.

Lost Innocence in the Pursuit of Knowledge

After experiencing death and trauma firsthand, Mia decided to attend Brown University, opting for its reputation as a safe haven—one premised on a smaller, more intimate campus atmosphere. Yet, she now finds herself embroiled in fear once again, questioning not only her physical safety but also her emotional wellbeing.

The existential threat posed by school shootings has catalyzed heated discussions about the policies governing arms, mental health, and campus security. Zoe lamented how comfort once afforded by statistical improbability is no longer a source of solace.

“The one thing that gave me comfort was, like, statistically, it's practically impossible for this to ever happen to me again,” said Zoe. “And clearly, we're getting to a point where no one can say that anymore.”

The Broader Implications

This incident highlights a critical juncture in addressing gun violence within educational institutions. The trauma experienced by young adults serves as a lens through which we can examine systemic failures that lead to repeated cycles of violence and victimization.

Moving forward, it is imperative that we prioritize mental health support and re-evaluate the frameworks that inform students' environments. Policy discussions must address not only immediate security concerns but also the underlying societal dynamics that contribute to such tragic realities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Mia and Zoe's stories are narratives expressing a generation's fragility in the face of violence. They remind us of the urgent need for actionable change in policies and attitudes surrounding gun violence in our schools. As the dust settles post-tragedy, we must rally towards fostering safe educational spaces that balance the pursuit of knowledge with personal security.

For more on the broader context of gun violence, check these resources on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Brown University.