Roig-DeBellis’ Open Letter Annotation

Author: Kaitlin M. Roig-DeBellis

When: February 15, 2018

Brief Overview: Kaitlin M. Roig-DeBellis wrote an open letter to Melissa Falkowski following the school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Roig-DeBellis was a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School when a gunman attacked, and wished to share with Falkowski the unfortunate similarities she endured years earlier. Most notably, she reminds Falkowski of four important things: she is a hero, she has a story to share with others, she is stronger than she might currently feel, and there is no moving on, only moving forward. As Roig-DeBellis has had to grapple with the aftermath of such an atrocity, she seeks to give encouragement and hope to someone that  may be desperate for support.

Important Vocabulary: Unconscionable, meaning not right or reasonable, or unreasonably excessive. Atrocity, meaning an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury.

Questions: The author mentions that in the wake of tragedy, there are many questions that can never be answered, but there are also many that can. What are the questions that have answers, and what are the answers she has found? Additionally, the author mentions that while this day will forever be a part of Falkowski, what has happened does not have to define her. What steps can someone take to help move forward after something disastrously monumental has occurred?

Noteworthy Quotes: “A hero is an ordinary person who rises to the occasion under remarkable circumstance. That was you today. You are a hero—don’t ever forget it.” “The ‘club’ that you have now joined is one that no one wants to be a part of and has unfortunately grown exponentially in the past five years.” “You don’t forget the sounds of people screaming, pleading, all the while thinking you are going to be next.” “We can stand up and say enough is enough.”

Initial Reactions: This open letter is able to be both raw and poignant without losing focus on the hope and encouragement being given, which reflects the nature of how tragedies are often dealt with in their aftermath. It is powerful coming from someone that experienced a situation remarkably similar to that of Falkowski’s, and is able to give important reminders on truths to hold onto in uncertain times.