Gun Control Awareness
“On February 25, 2018, I attended a Global Learning panel discussion entitled Gun Violence in America. This event was initiated by the horrific and unfortunate events that took place in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. A day to celebrate love and appreciation was diminished by a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school. However, instead of pity and grief hovering Florida citizens, there was a sense of rage. This presentation was created to bring awareness to an evident problem within our country. I learned much information that I have been able to share with others through this panel discussion.
Key facts mentioned include the following:
As a person in their early twenties, this was the time to reflect on the amount of mass shootings I have lived to see. It pains me that one day, these tragedies will be in our history books. That my kids may ask what I was feeling during that time, if I knew a victim from a shooting, and what they should do if encountered by a gunman. Words cannot emphasize the importance of addressing gun violence now, before more lives are lost and sorrows born. This two hour panel was a profound and impactful learning event I attended during my Spring semester. All attendees left cohesively knowing that you don't have to agree on everything to agree that something needs to be done.” – Dionne Grundy
Key facts mentioned include the following:
- The top 10 largest mass shootings have taken place within the last 10 years, and that the 1999 massacre at Columbine is no longer included.
- Florida is one of the leading states when it comes to mass shootings.
- Almost 20 school shootings have taken place within the last 4 months.
- That a mass shooting is defined as 4 or more individuals killed or injured.
As a person in their early twenties, this was the time to reflect on the amount of mass shootings I have lived to see. It pains me that one day, these tragedies will be in our history books. That my kids may ask what I was feeling during that time, if I knew a victim from a shooting, and what they should do if encountered by a gunman. Words cannot emphasize the importance of addressing gun violence now, before more lives are lost and sorrows born. This two hour panel was a profound and impactful learning event I attended during my Spring semester. All attendees left cohesively knowing that you don't have to agree on everything to agree that something needs to be done.” – Dionne Grundy
Audobon Ambassador Society
"As a native Miamian, I did not know that South Florida is home to many of the nation's registered National Parks. However, our natural parklands and wildlife are at risk due to the construction and growth of a popular and modernized urban city. Global warming and construction are threatening viable areas, such as the Everglades. The list of endangered as well as invasive species continues to grow, with limited preventive solutions.
As an accounting major, I did not realize the importance of engaging in the conservation of some of the nation’s hidden treasures. The Audubon Society was a great resource to bring awareness and promote community engagement in the sustainability of irreplaceable areas within South Florida. I encourage all to go on Eventbrite and register for their free, upcoming events to connect with environmental leaders and conservationists who are passionate about the protecting the environment from threats it is currently facing." - Dionne Grundy
As an accounting major, I did not realize the importance of engaging in the conservation of some of the nation’s hidden treasures. The Audubon Society was a great resource to bring awareness and promote community engagement in the sustainability of irreplaceable areas within South Florida. I encourage all to go on Eventbrite and register for their free, upcoming events to connect with environmental leaders and conservationists who are passionate about the protecting the environment from threats it is currently facing." - Dionne Grundy
For more information on the Audubon Society visit http://www.tropicalaudubon.org/
Hands on Miami
As a huge proponent of volunteering on a local and global scale, I continuously strive to give back to the community. With an array of resources available, volunteering is made as convenient and worry-free as possible. A website that has been the primary connection between me and volunteerism during my entire college career is Hands on Miami. It is accessible, easy to navigate, offers a range of activities for all ages, and accommodating to my schedule. A list of companies and organizations I have volunteered with through Hands on Miami include the following:
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Deering Estate
- Good Hope Equestrian Center
- South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation
"Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation's vision is focused on "connecting people & parks for life". Before cell phones, video games, and tablets, going to the a community park was ethereal for children. I spent most of my time at parks, and did not realize that the overall upkeep to ensure both appearance and safety highly depended on community involvement. I currently am a subscriber of Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation, participating in activities to restore or enhance the exterior and interior areas of parks for the public. I still have fond memories of time spent at parks, and I hope to assist in creating more for the next generation to follow." - Dionne Grundy