19-year-old Vanderbilt University student Abby Brafman graduated just last year from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which endured a mass shooting on Valentine's Day that claimed 17 lives.
Brafman joins other MSD high students who are rallying to demand change and safety for children in schools by organizing March For Our Lives Nashville.
"It's really exciting, and it's all in an effort to support March For Our Lives, which was started by the kids at my school who are speaking out now against what happened," Abby told Woody & Jim Show.
While many of the logistical details are still to-be-determined, the event will take place March 24th -- and those interested can stay updated by following the March For Our Lives Nashville Facebook page. For more of Abby's in-studio interview with Woody & Jim Show Tuesday morning, keep reading.Of when she first learned of the shooting at MSD High, Abby said: "I was sitting in one of my courses at school at Vanderbilt -- my bio-anthropology class -- and I got a call from a friend, who doesn't usually call me... and I just felt the need to answer it. She told me there was a school shooter at my school, and I just thought 'that doesn't make any sense' -- so I called my mom, and called my friends... I was sitting in a stairwell for three hours trying to understand what was happening."
Something that many people believe sets the incident at MSD High apart from the rest is the way the students have actively and passionately spoken out since the tragedy.
What is it that made them do that? According to Abby, it's the culture of Parkland.
"The children in my town have just been so empowered my whole life... When this happened, I feel like the culture of Parkland just allowed children to really speak their mind. This is the first time that we've really had such a platform to be able to share our thoughts, and our passions. We're really an unstoppable force," Abby remarked.
Although there have been some who have stated they won't return to school until Congress seriously addresses gun reform and school safety, Abby isn't confident that it's the best way to make their point.
"I think that it definitely makes a statement, but also education comes first, and we can't let one person ruin the education of so many children...I think it's important to continue going back to school and returning to our lives," she said.
"It's all about the conversation. it's all about...bringing notice to the fact that this conversation has to take place. It doesn't matter where it leads, but it has to lead somewhere. If you at all are interested in supporting the efforts of children who are fighting for our right to be protected and feel safe in school, then you will march with March For Our Lives Nashville," Brafman concluded.
Thoughts?