Surviving Twice: A Student's Anger After Another School Shooting

The Impressions of Anger and Shock

On December 13, 2025, anxiety gripped the students of Brown University once again. Zoe Weissman, a 20-year-old sophomore, expressed her profound anger and shock after surviving her second school shooting. This time, the gunfire echoed not from the halls of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where she first faced this horror in 2018, but from the very campus she sought to thrive in. As she recounted her experiences, Weissman provided a harrowing reminder that the psychological toll of such events reverberates long after the gunfire has ceased.

A Shared Trauma

Weissman’s feelings of anger were starkly relatable—not just for her, but for a painfully growing cohort of students nationwide who have been “school shooting survivors.” The reality is shifting as more students like Weissman find themselves victims of multiple mass shootings, demonstrating a troubling trend. There exists little-to-no comprehensive data on how many individuals have endured repeated exposures to this kind of violence, but experts are increasingly concerned. Studies have shown that repeated traumatic experiences can heighten the risks of severe mental health issues such as PTSD and anxiety disorders, as noted by Robin Gurwitch, a psychologist at Duke University Medical Center.

The Mental Health Impact of Repeated Trauma

The impacts of multiple traumatic events are far-reaching. Emma Riddle, another student who survived the 2021 Oxford High School shooting and later found herself in lockdown during a shooting at Michigan State University, exemplifies this plight. She shared that she is always prepared, routinely checking exits and planning escape routes whenever she enters a building. Such measures reveal a desperate attempt to regain a sense of control amidst a landscape where safety is increasingly elusive.

Wider Impacts: A Nation Gripped by Fear

This prevailing sense of fear extends beyond those directly involved. Recent research indicates that about a third of American adults avoid specific locations or events due to concerns about potential mass shootings. The generational effects are pervasive, with many teenagers expressing worries over such violent occurrences happening in their schools, underscoring a culture of anxiety. The increased media coverage surrounding these events contributes to this constant state of alert, fostering a distressing perception that mass shootings have become a routine aspect of life in the U.S., despite statistical evidence that suggests permanent changes to gun violence might not be imminent.

Finding Support in the Shadows of Trauma

The emotional aftermath of such incidents can linger for years. Many survivors struggle to find solace in their experiences, often feeling isolated despite their shared trauma. Institutions like hospitals often offer collective debriefing sessions to help those affected process their trauma, just as doctors and nurses come to terms with their experiences in treating mass shooting victims. These collaborative efforts aim to build resilience and foster healing, revealing the inherent need for community and empathy.

The Need for Change

Weissman's poignant message reflects a broader and urgent need for societal change. As survivors increasingly highlight their stories, they also amplify the call for actionable solutions to combat gun violence in schools and communities. Gun control advocates are pressing for reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for a robust dialogue around mental health resources and firearm regulations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The narrative that emerges from Weissman’s confrontation with trauma highlights the persistence of fear and anger among those who have lived through the horror of mass shootings. As she poignantly stated, “This isn’t a new phenomenon.” It forces society as a whole to confront uncomfortable truths about violence in schools and the necessity for reformative action. Only through these efforts can students and communities begin to reclaim their sense of safety and stability.

To create a safer environment, it’s essential for activists, educators, and citizens alike to engage in cross-sector dialogues addressing gun violence. Understanding the stories behind these tragedies fuels important discussions necessary to initiate change. Your voice matters—join the conversation today; advocate for reforms to restore safety in our schools.