Amid a wave of anxiety following a recent shooting at Brown University, two students stood out for their painful experiences with gun violence. Mia Tretta, 21, survived a mass shooting at Saugus High School in 2019, where she lost her best friend and was injured when a 16-year-old opened fire. Zoe Weissman, 20, was nearby during the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed 17 lives in 2018.
Neither expected to face gun violence again. “No one assumes it will happen to them,” Tretta said, reflecting on how survivors often feel reassured that they won’t go through it a second time. Unfortunately, she and Weissman found themselves once more grappling with fear and trauma.
The recent incident at Brown involved an unidentified gunman who killed two students and injured nine others. Weissman initially felt panic when a friend called with news of the chaos unfolding on campus. “I felt numb—just like I did when I was 12,” she said, describing the haunting familiarity of her emotions.
Tretta chose Brown because she thought a smaller campus would be safer. Yet, even before this attack, she struggled with anxiety about her surroundings, avoiding spaces like the library. “I can’t go anywhere alone,” she admitted.
Both students have transformed their fear into activism. Weissman, who once led her local March for Our Lives chapter, continues to speak out for stronger gun regulations. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, “I’m angry that I thought I’d never have to deal with this again.” For her, activism is a way to find healing while bringing attention to a critical issue that affects many lives.
Tretta described the day she was shot as life-altering. “I have not been the same person since,” she said. The realities of gun violence continue to linger, impacting not only survivors like her and Weissman but the wider community as well.
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 57% of Americans believe gun laws should be stricter. This statistic underscores a growing call for change. Social media platforms reflect similar sentiments, with hashtags like #EndGunViolence trending as advocates share their stories and call for reform.
In a society grappling with recurring gun violence, these young women’s experiences serve as poignant reminders of the urgency for action and awareness.
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