Brandon and Declan
We move through every day being thankful to be a seventeen-year-old, knowing we could have lost our lives at six years old.
Through his healing process, Brandon has leaned on his family. He remembers his mother’s embrace 10 years ago, and has since been comforted by that support. Brandon wants to leave behind a legacy to help heal the hate in the world. 
Declan loves his ability to spin what others perceive as a negative situation into a positive outlook. He loves his ability to push himself to work for what he wants. -
Brandon, 17
Brandon loves learning about other people, culture, and ethnicities. It has reinforced his belief that people need to come together despite their cultural differences.
His guilty pleasure is building scale models, like tanks.
A perfect day for Brandon looks like going to his favorite Vietnamese restaurant with his family or neighbors.
He felt powerful after he cracked the formula in a statistics test that had been previously stumping him. He feels powerful after a good study session, or going into a task knowing he is in full control.
This experience forced him out of his shell, to open up and think about helping other people.
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Declan, 17
He is sure to be laughing whenever he is with his crew, going to youth groups or attending church events together.
He is afraid of losing people he cares about. He is afraid of being hurt by the people he loves.
Through his healing process, he has found joy and peace within himself from his faith in God. He still struggles with symptoms of PTSD, but he has found solace in being a child of God, and knowing that there is a plan in place for him.
This experience gave him gratitude. He moves through every day being thankful to be a seventeen year old, knowing he could have lost his life at six years old.
We have to educate the next generation to all be together. Racism and prejudice are taught and learned. Our differences can prove useful to a brighter future.
Brandon
“Dear Brandon, in 2032, I hope you go off and make an impact in people's lives. Show that compassion and empathy of yours.”
— Declan
To other survivors, Brandon says:
“ I want to give you the sense that you are not alone.
We both went through something, and can be here for each other.”
To the world, Declan says:
“Love each other. I see so much division in our world and in our country.
Politics and social media are just arguments and screaming ideologies.
We are all children of God. We are all equal. Be kind and love each other.”
"Dear Declan, in 2033 I hope you go on to share more. I think your story needs to be heard."
Brandon
What Does the Future Hold?
Declan is excited to see what the future holds for him.
Brandon is excited to go into forensics or criminology. Inspired by this work?
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