I watched as my tears hit my phone screen, seconds after hearing the news of my close friend’s passing. Everything felt unreal at the moment. This year had already begun with the natural passing of my grandmother and a medical mess-up with my aunt. Both so traumatizing, hearing about the death of a child my age was just different. I refused to believe it was true until I saw major news journalists publishing the story and his smile being the featured image.

Keith Slaughter died from gun violence. A 17-year-old senior in high school had lost his life in a crossfire from another teenager. Personally, I never had an issue with guns or why people fight against them — though the abundant amount of mass shootings occurring this year was hard to ignore. However, I never had a reason to believe there was a problem with guns with the majority’s use being to instill safety precautions. Someone I hung out with and had classes with is no longer here. His passing changed my ignorant perspective to being open to the other side.

In 2021, Texas citizens were allowed to open carry firearms without the license to carry (LTC). Being around my father who owns firearms and abides by the laws, I’ve never seen an issue because he has done no wrong. However, being around a good influence has made me oblivious to the majority of bad influences around us.

In a recent publication, junior Anisha Mandem, a current Eagle Nation Online staff member, spoke about drills held in schools and what actually occurs throughout the multiple classrooms here at Prosper High School.

“In a survey conducted by Nora Vedder, a former staff member of ENO, only 65% answered that they would follow the taught procedure if a real situation took place,” Mandem said. “That number shouldn’t be 65 or even 95, but 100%.”

Being part of the majority that has educated teachers and peers during drills, I have never been bothered by it because I know it’s only a drill. However, my experience with my friend has changed my ideas of what students and citizens should be doing no matter what. If one of us gets hurt because of someone else’s actions of not following safety procedures, it would turn heads as to why others fight for certain rights. Checking in on your child’s mental health also matters because they make decisions that hurt others or themselves.

Unfortunately, my friend’s passing has taught everyone what happens in the real world. His story shines light on the reality of teenagers simply just wanting to hang out with friends or in public spaces.

Students should be able to understand the consequences of gun use can go both ways. When used incorrectly or placed in the wrong hands, this machinery is capable of permanently altering lives. I understand why organizations fight for the ban of it as it injures and kills those around us, even loved ones.

Some students  from Prosper said their perspective has changed about gun laws and safety laws about firearms.

“I used to have a different view, having one for safety reasons and ‘just in case’ situations,” senior Sophia Anglada said. “It’s changed because of the mass shootings occurring in the past years. The age limit should definitely change to when people are older and mature enough.”

Senior Mia Solt said she always believed guns should never be easy to purchase or have unless it’s mandatory.

“My perspective hasn’t changed — firearms should have more restrictions and buyers should have reasons to obtain one,” Solt said. “It scares me how an average Texas citizen can quickly obtain a firearm.”

Parents and children should understand the harm of a firearm and how quickly it can change an individual’s life and family.