From a Former Student

If you are a local reading this then you are most likely aware of the tragedy that occurred in our area yesterday. A 16-year old girl lost her life at school after being assaulted.

It's extremely sad what took place.

But if I'm being honest I can't say I was all that taken aback when I found out. For many, I'm sure your jaws just dropped at that comment. How could I say such a thing?

I can say it because I know first hand that incidents like this aren't rare in today's schools. Yes, most of the time they do not result in a death. But fights, especially severe ones, are nothing new in schools. More and more we're also seeing that it's females partaking rather than males.

I attended a high school that was known for fights. It was often a school referred to as ghetto and trashy. No one would ever come out and call it unsafe but you certainly never heard anyone call it a safe place either. You'd enter school every day and silently ask yourself, "I wonder what will happen today".

Fights were common and in the end you'd usually hear it was over something stupid. A boy/girl, drugs, he said/she said, and false rumors.

When a fight broke out, instead of trying to get away from it to prevent yourself from getting caught in the crossfire, everyone would swarm to see what was going on. They wanted to see it all firsthand and would even egg on the participants trying to get a better show.

It was the responsibility of disciplinarians, an onsite cop (if your school had one), and faculty members (if they felt comfortable enough) to step in and try to break up the fight and diffuse the situation.

After yesterday, my question is this...When does enough become enough?

I'm tired of people being naive of what's taking place in these schools and on the streets.

I graduated from high school 7 years ago. Things like this were happening then and prior. They've only continued to get worse.

Things need to change.

Our kids need to feel safe going to school. They go to school to receive an education, not to be bullied, bashed, and beat down by peers.

It's time for the parents at home to step up and be an example for their children. I truly believe that stopping this begins in the home.

Children do the things they do because you've let them know they can get away with it or they've watched you do the exact same thing. If you get away with it, why can't they? Take the time to explain that physical violence isn't the answer. Petty drama isn't what this world is supposed to revolve around. There are much more important things to be focused on like bettering yourself and working towards a positive and happy future.

Today's generation has no concept of what consequences are. Unfortunately, the girls who chose to beat a 16-year old girl to death will now find out the consequence the hard way.

I don't expect things to change over night. It will take the work of so many to make a difference. People need to stop turning a cheek and realize these issues need to be addressed. They've been issues for at least a decade now and unless things change, it's not going to stop. People shouldn't have to fear what their kids will face when they are older and can attend school. It should say something about the world we live in when you're scared to bring new life into it.

Wake up and realize what is taking place. Let's make the difference so that future generations don't have to worry about things like this.