One day I was at school eating lunch, and the bell rang. All of a sudden the security guards and administration were yelling at us to “get down.” The cafeteria was very big — there were probably 300 to 400 of us. We were so scared and confused. We quickly got under the table, panicking, as we heard people talk about a shooter on campus, possibly in the room.
Most of us thought the shooter was in the room. None of us knew what to do. We were in an open area with huge windows and no lock. Students suddenly started running to the only place with a lock: the kitchen. For me, I didn’t know what to do. What if I got up, and the shooter shot me? What if I stayed out in the open? I didn’t have much time to think so I ran; the one-minute run to the kitchen felt like one hour. All I could think of is what if this is my last time? What if I never see my family or friends again? The worst thoughts came into my head. I truly believed the shooter was in the room.
The cafeteria was chaotic; people were screaming and running to get into the kitchen. Apparently the doors of the kitchen were shut on some students, and they had to hide under the tables. In moments like this, you never know what to do, especially when you aren’t told. Once I got into the kitchen, I felt relieved. I quickly texted my loved ones and told them I was okay. It turned out a kid on campus had a gun, and he ran when he found out the police were there. The reason the cafeteria was crazy was because he was very close to it. I’m extremely grateful nothing happened, but it made me more aware that this could happen anywhere, even at school.