I talked to my parents about my concerns. They said I had three options. To attend the assembly and limit my remarks to comply with the administration’s rules, to attend but defy the rules by speaking in favor of gun control or to participate in an unsanctioned walkout. They said they would support my decision. The first option seemed pointless and the second option seemed wrong. I wanted to be honest and transparent with the school administrators who I respect and trust. The third option served my goal of publicly demanding change. So, I, with two of my classmates, seniors Julia Conturso and Sasha Goldblatt, organized a group of passionate students to participate in an unsanctioned school walkout. I was surprised at how many of my classmates cared about the cause and were eager to join. I wasn’t nervous because I knew that any potential consequence was less important than being heard.

I am glad we followed our convictions. The protest has reinforced in me the idea that some things are so important that you cannot back down. Many Farmington High School students plan to attend the “March for Our Lives” walk March 24 at the Capitol in Hartford. Students are also interested in organizing a demonstration for the April 20 school walkout in honor of the 20-year anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.

Our unsanctioned school walkout gained notable media attention but, more important, it has inspired more students to join this movement to push Congress to pass reasonable gun control legislation and save lives.