Columbine Survivor Story: Resilience, Hope, and Life Reclaimed

On April 20, 1999, the world was shocked by the Columbine High School massacre. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, opened fire on their classmates and teachers, killing 13 people and injuring 24 others. Among the survivors was Emily Wyant, who was shot in the jaw and leg.

Over My Shoulder: A Columbine Survivor's Story of Resilience, Hope and a Life Reclaimed

by Kacey Ruegsegger Johnson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8047 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In the years since the shooting, Wyant has become a powerful voice for survivors of gun violence. She has spoken out about the need for stricter gun control laws and has worked to help other survivors heal from their trauma.

The Day of the Shooting

Wyant was a sophomore at Columbine High School on the day of the shooting. She was in the library when she heard the first gunshots. She and her classmates initially thought it was a fire drill, but they soon realized that something was terribly wrong.

"We heard the first gunshot, and then we heard another one," Wyant said. "And then we saw people running and screaming, and we knew that something was wrong."

Wyant and her classmates tried to escape the library, but the door was locked. They huddled together in a corner, terrified and waiting for the gunfire to stop.

"We were all just sitting there, holding each other, and crying," Wyant said. "We didn't know what was going to happen."

After about 20 minutes, the gunfire stopped. Wyant and her classmates slowly made their way out of the library and into the hallway.

"We saw all the bodies," Wyant said. "It was like a war zone."

Wyant was shot in the jaw and leg as she was running out of the library. She was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent surgery.

The Road to Recovery

Wyant spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries. She had to have her jaw wired shut and underwent extensive physical therapy to regain the use of her leg.

The physical recovery was difficult, but the emotional recovery was even more challenging. Wyant struggled with PTSD and survivor's guilt.

"I felt like I should have done more to help my friends," Wyant said. "I felt like I should have been able to stop the shooting."

With the help of therapy and the support of her family and friends, Wyant was able to slowly begin to heal.

Speaking Out

In the years since the shooting, Wyant has become a powerful voice for survivors of gun violence. She has spoken out about the need for stricter gun control laws and has worked to help other survivors heal from their trauma.

Wyant has testified before Congress on behalf of gun control legislation. She has also spoken at numerous schools and events, sharing her story and advocating for change.

"I want to make sure that what happened at Columbine never happens again," Wyant said. "I want to make sure that no other child has to go through what I went through."

Hope and Healing

Despite the trauma she has endured, Wyant is a hopeful and resilient survivor. She has found a way to turn her pain into purpose.

"I've learned that even after the darkest of days, there is always hope," Wyant said. "I've learned that we can heal from our trauma and go on to live full and meaningful lives."

Wyant's story is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there is always hope. With the help of others, we can heal from our trauma and go on to live full and meaningful lives.

Over My Shoulder: A Columbine Survivor's Story of Resilience, Hope and a Life Reclaimed

by Kacey Ruegsegger Johnson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8047 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE