Watching Your Language in a Time of Tragedy

     I'm sure by now that we are all aware of the tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. In short, there was a school shooting in this small town of just over 25,000 people, where 20 young students and 6 adults lost their lives. I do not want to talk about what happened, as that is not my place. However, this situation really hits home with me for several reasons, so I would like to urge you, the readers of our UT Tyler Student Blog, to think carefully about the language you are using when discussing this situation, if you choose to do so.

     First of all, I am personally deeply saddened by this shooting just knowing that I was on-track to be an elementary teacher in just a matter of weeks. Prior to this fall semester, I spent 4 years as an Early Childhood Education major, and that would have certified me to teach Preschool-4th grade in the public schools. I did end up changing my career path because I no longer felt called to teach, but I still have a great love and adoration of children and their development. Also, because of my education background, I know much more about the public school system and what is it that teachers REALLY do on a daily basis.

     Secondly, I from Lindale, TX (only 20 miles from Tyler), and these are both small towns, like Newtown. A tragedy is a tragedy no matter the location, but I truly believe that the citizens react differently in a small town than they would in a large city.