Ashley & Lauren

Ashley arrives with quick wit, a bold smile, and a voice shaped by speaking publicly about gun violence.

Guilty pleasure

Gas station ice cream.

Healing

She journals in the notes app on her phone to work through the hardest days.

Perspective

Her view of the world changed after Sandy Hook; she says she is more empathetic, more grateful, and more intentional with the people she loves.

Future

She is excited for college, independence, and eventually pursuing tattooing and piercing as an art form.

“What doesn't kill you does not make you stronger. You were already strong. You prosper in spite of what happened to you.”

Lauren holds onto patience, introspection, and the conviction that she has more to offer the world than victimhood.

Perfect day

Sleeping in, grabbing Dunkin', hiking on an autumn day, napping with her cats, and spending time with Ashley.

Fears

Going through life alone, never being fully herself, and getting older with regrets.

Healing

She has learned that only she can truly help herself through PTSD, anxiety, and survivor's guilt.

Future

She wants to become an FBI agent and give people answers that survivors like her younger self never got.

“Be kind. Everyone has hardships. Everyone has weaknesses. You can get through whatever it is together. Reach out to your people. Kindness is what we need.”