Previous
Previous
Terry Mitchell
Next
Next
I am a survivor of gun violence. Recovering, mentally and physically, from the trauma of gun violence and its aftermath is a difficult path, full of peaks and valleys. You find that you are forever changed, you have touched your own mortality and it is a difficult new reality you are forced to cope with. It never truly goes away but rather becomes a part of you. Trauma is damaging but it can also be a catalyst for change. The trajectory of my life altered completely after my experience with gun violence. It made me stronger, more compassionate and grateful for the life I have and the people in it. It led me to a new career as a graphic designer. These are such uncertain times; we face as a country our own traumas from gun violence, to the pandemic, to the trauma of racial injustice. With all the hate and chaos out there, it is so easy to ignore the pain and pretend our trauma does not exist. I am so inspired by the people that are choosing, despite thehatred, to face our trauma head on with compassion, empathy and determination. I choose to be hopeful because I know that working through trauma can result in creating something truly beautiful.