To the kids walking out today

If you're there, if you're reading this:

You know that there are a lot of people who want to see you fail, who want to hold you back, and want you to put you in your place. That's life, TBH, but what's different right now is that there are a lot of you up against very vocal opponents, so you're seeing a big push against what you're doing.

Don't be scared.

If you walked out today, if you didn't because you couldn't, or didn't know how, if you were scared, if you were told not to: that's cool.

If it was in your mind, if standing up for your beliefs, whatever they are, was in your mind today, I think you should know that we're proud of you.

I'm speaking for myself, and my friends, my neighbors, and though it's not everyone, it's a good portion of people. Maybe you believe in more gun control, maybe you don't. Maybe you believe the sky is orange, maybe you don't. Who knows. Just know that, if you can make your point well, if you have educated yourself and really thought about things, and you want to stand up for a belief that is your own, we're proud of you.

I'm not sure a lot of you are hearing that. I'm worried a lot of you are hearing such mixed comments that you could be afraid of speaking up or being punished. Maybe you're speaking up anyway? Maybe you're afraid? That's okay, guys.

I just wanted to let you know, a lot of us are really proud of you for creating a wave that moves independently of the current.

Good job.