Active shooter incidents on college campuses have become increasingly pressing matters, sparking debates about how institutions should best prepare their students for potential emergencies. Recently, students at Cerritos College engaged with these discussions during active shooter drills aimed at enhancing safety preparedness across the campus.
The necessity for such drills stems from rising concerns over gun violence, which has permeated both college settings and broader society. Luis Valadez, a psychology major, shared his thoughts on the recent drills, stating, "I think it’s important because you know, just in case to be prepared but it did kinda mess up my schedule a bit. I think it’s important for safety." Valadez's comments highlight both acknowledgment of the need for training and the disruptions such drills can cause to academic routines.
Other students reflected on the unique opportunity these drills offered to develop skills and knowledge they might otherwise lack. Renee Alarcon, pursuing biology, expressed her appreciation for the drill, saying, "It’s pretty nice because you don’t really get to do it on campus or just in college in general. Not a lot of people do this now. I know yesterday we were watching a video on it and it was pretty good because there are things they told us to do I wouldn’t know." This sentiment reflects how drills can fill informational gaps for students.
Nevertheless, the drills also evoke complex emotions and thoughts among students. Jonah Rodrigo, who studies marine biology, remarked, "I think it’s sad but a necessary thing. Like, sure we wouldn’t have these drills if we didn’t have people buying guns freely. I think there should be a little bit of control on gun sales. But I also need to tackle the main problem, which is mental health." Rodrigo’s perspective sheds light on the broader issues at play, pointing to societal factors contributing to gun violence, such as mental health challenges, which often require similar attention and action.
Kiairra Mack, a business administration major, conveyed how past incidents of gun violence, especially one notable shooting reflected on by students from years past, have left lasting effects on students' mental states. "I think it’s a smart move because over the past few years I remembered back to the whole shooting incident back in like 2016, which happened in Florida. It kinda shook up all the students. A lot of kids were really worried about going to school. A lot of my peers were kind of worried, so they didn’t go to school. It’s kinda scary because we were all going to college, and the college is like its own campus; it’s not caved like high school. I feel like it was really smart of Cerritos to do," she noted. Mack’s comments reflect the real fears students harbor when entering educational environments.
Some students did express feeling anxious about the drills themselves. Francisco Avilia, studying mathematics, conveyed, "I feel like being prepared is a good thing, but it does raise some anxiety to think it could happen." His concerns echo those of countless students across the country grappling with the strange juxtaposition of college life and the reality of potential violence. The reality of what could occur can often overshadow the educational experience.
The sentiments expressed among these students indicate the considerable psychological weight attached to discussions of violence on campuses. Jacqueline Perez, accounting major, summed up the benefits of participation, stating, "I feel like it’s a good thing. It helps us practice on the occasion it does happen on campus, so we know what to do and how to act." This pragmatic outlook emphasizes proactive engagement as a way of empowering students against the threats they may face.
Looking toward the future, the collective experiences of these students suggest a pressing need for continued dialogue about campus safety and preparedness measures. Not only do drills serve to reinforce physical safety protocols, but they also provide opportunities for institutions to address related mental health concerns. Institutions like Cerritos College are prioritizing the well-being of their students as they navigate these difficult conversations.
Overall, the impact of active shooter drills on college campuses transcends simple preparedness. They invoke reflection, emotional burden, and the necessity for comprehensive support systems for both physical safety practices and mental health initiatives. Acknowledging both safety protocols and mental well-being will be key as these institutions strive to create secure and supportive environments for their students.