An Extra Report on the Columbine Shootings

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Columbine High School Memorial

Littleton Community Network

A STUDENT REFLECTS
(4/26/00)

My name is Laurel Salerno and I am currently a sophomore at Columbine High School. My life was forever changed on April 20,1999.

I lost all hope and safety in my community, along with many of my dear friends. When someone goes through a horrible experience they remember every little detail throughout their lifetime. For me, it seems like just yesterday that I was in a life or death situation.

APRIL 20, 1999

While I was eating my lunch in the cafeteria, I heard gunshots outside. I never thought those gunshots were meant for me. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be running for my life from a student I went to school with everyday.

A year later, those haunting experiences are once again resurfacing. Sometimes I dream about being shot at my school, and how my family and friends would deal with my death.

I often think about Lauren Townsend and Rachel Scott, and how their families are coping with all they have experienced. I feel torn from my friend that I went to elementary school with. She lost her brother in the shooting. I feel uncomfortable talking to her sometimes, because I don't want to make her feel sad or depressed.

Everyday, I walk down the hallway with the brand new blue lockers on the wall, knowing that just on the other side is the library that I always went to for studying. I walk into my science classroom remembering that this is the place where one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Sanders, spent the last minutes of his life. Wherever I go, there are always things that remind me of that terrible day on April 20, 1999.

LINGERING EMOTIONS

I used to enjoy going to the movies seeing action filled, romantic, or comedy movies. Now it doesn't interest me anymore. I can't watch movies with a lot of guns in them or anybody being killed. I now know what it feels like when someone real close to you dies, so everything in the movies feels so real to me. I start crying and remember how hurt I felt when I found out some of my friends were dead.

Another thing that has changed in my life is the sound of sirens and helicopters. In April, there were many cop cars and ambulances. You couldn't drive anywhere. I remember seeing students hooked up to IV's with blood stains on their shirts. I remember feeling so depressed because I was okay.

Every time I hear a helicopter I wonder if something else has happened at Columbine. Last April, helicopters flew over my house night and day taking pictures and trying to see all the carnage that was left behind. When I hear helicopters, I get scared and I wonder if something else has happened at my school.

FINDING THE POSITIVE

In dealing with my emotions and losses I have found being pro-active has helped me the most. I live everyday to the fullest and have become involved in many different community projects.

I traveled to Washington D.C. to call upon legislators to make more effective gun safety measures, to keep guns out of the wrong hands. I met the president and confronted many House Members on their opposition towards gun safety measures.

I am also a part of a community task force which looks out for the best interests of people in the community. This group had people who made meals for families who where in need, and gave suggestions to the School Board regarding making our schools a safe environment to learn in. The task force also took part in getting things ready for the upcoming anniversary.

What made me feel the best, was the support from my family, friends, and the letters from all around the world. I never knew that so many people, young and old, cared so much about a handful of teenagers in Littleton, Colorado.

I remember going to Chatfield High School and being overwhelmed with all the posters all around the school showing love and support from all over the nation. It was such a great and uplifting feeling. In many classes we wrote letters of thank you notes to ones who gave us their sympathy. It was an overwhelming, joyous feeling.

A COMMUNITY GROWS

Our community has grown so strong through the last year and they have reached out to those who are struggling. At Columbine High School we have grown closer together and are like one big family. Students care more about one another and have accepted the differences we have with one another.

I have grown much closer to my friends and tell them everything on my mind. I often wonder why a tragedy like this had to happen at my school. I believe God has a purpose for everything and maybe it was to show and bring out the true me.

I have gone through a terrible experience, but I feel blessed to know that I am still alive and I am able to fulfill my dreams.