After the Parkland, Florida school shooting, students and members of Gen Z have become more active in the national view, sparking protests, debate and the serious question of: are students really safe at school? Is anyone safe in the United States?

As Orono students sat in lockdown Feb. 21, this fear perpetuated itself into students here, changing their opinions on just how safe Orono schools are. While there was no threat, the fear was real–and helped to lead a significant portion of Orono middle and high school students to walk out on March 14.

“It made us all realize this is a problem that could happen anywhere in the nation. A few days after … I looked at everyone’s eyes. There was fear there,” junior Carianna Spencer said, as qtd. in the Star Tribune.

Spencer was one of five students to participate in a round-table discussion about gun rights hosted by the Star Tribune on March 21, destined to raise awareness about guns and ask for higher amounts of gun control. She and four other students discussed gun rights, arming teachers, school safety and other gun-related subjects.

“In terms of the application process, it was kind of unique to everyone there. I found out about this through Ms. Herring and emailed Scott Gillespie, one of the editors at the Star Tribune,” Spencer said. “Then, they sifted through the people that had emailed, and chose some people for the discussion”

“It was really motivational–many people came up to us and thanked us and our generation for being the change, saying how proud they were that this generation is willing to stand up and speak and advocate for change,“ Spencer added.