My main goal when writing The Domino Effect and A Stop to the Track was to answer some of my own questions pertaining to school safety and uncover what the Elkhorn Public School district has done to protect its students and staff.
First, I want to acknowledge the work that Director Brian Kempf and the Elkhorn Public School district has done in order to ensure our safety. My anxiety and worry about the safety of myself and my peers has mostly been relieved. However there are still times when I worry about what could happen if our safety is compromised, but I look over what I have learned and know that I am safe and protected in our school.
The Importance of Mental Health
As mentioned in both of my pieces, a common variable among school shooters is that they struggle with their mental health. With the help of Hope Squad and other resources, mental health is an open topic, with students able to share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences, making it possible for them to get help in an instant. However, one of my personal goals is to utilize other resources the school provides. The large stigma around the resources provided by our school is the fear of being judged for reporting a peer or concern about overreacting. My advice is that it is truly better to be safe than sorry. If you even have the slightest concern for a classmate, I urge you to talk to them. If you are able to derive from the conversation that there is more behind the scenes that your peer is not revealing, talk to a teacher or report them to Safe2Help (access on Classlink).
Brian Kempf’s Top 3 Safety Tips
Kempf provided me with tips to use so that I can be proactive in my safety. I feel that they are important for all people to apply in their life.
I consistently apply this in my everyday life. Whether it is at school or a quick trip to Target I always make sure I am in a safe area, especially when traveling alone. I often park close to the entrance of stores in order to limit time spent alone in the parking lot and will look around for a familiar face. Just taking a scan of your surroundings can make the biggest difference.
I have never experienced a situation where my safety was compromised, but having this advice has mentally prepared me for the possibility. From this I know that in order to get out of a scary, dangerous situation it is crucial to follow the most practical course of action.
In order to participate in my own safety, I have started to carry pepper spray with me at all times. Though I have never used it, it gives me a sense of comfort and security. If I am in a situation where my safety is compromised I am confident that I have some form of defense.
As I continue to live life I will make it a priority to apply these concepts to my everyday and I hope it is the same for others. Each of us is armed with knowledge which allows us to keep ourselves and our peers safe, and it is our responsibility to utilize this privilege.
