Matthew and Rachel
On serving kids, new friendship and being 17.
"I hope that as a pediatric nurse you get to help many children, and form relationships with others in your unit. you show others that they can be exactly as they are. They can go through trauma and still crack a joke."- Rachel to Matthew
"In 2032 I hope to see you taking care of others in the same way that you took care of yourself."-Matthew to Rachel
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Matthew, 19
Matthew loves his ability to take space and zone out in the midst of stressful moments.
A perfect day for Matthew is lying in bed all day, watching a new tv show with snacks.
His guilty pleasure is rewatching the entirety of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
He is sure to be laughing anytime he’s in the car with his brother.
Through his healing process, he has found comfort in the time he spends with family. He has enjoyed hiking, and spending time alone on the mountain.
To other survivors, he says: it’s okay to feel how you feel. It’s going to be hard. It’s okay to be sad. It will eventually get better, but right now, just stick with it.
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Rachel, 17
She wants to show others that this tragedy doesn’t have to define their lives, and that they can continue to get up everyday and smile.
Her guilty pleasure is a big bowl of fettuccine alfredo on the couch with her dogs and a cheesy romance novel.
To other survivors, she says: this doesn’t have to define you. You can be anything.
She loves being in her “dancing queen” era, and getting to teach young kids how to dance. Being 17, she finally gets to do and be whoever she wants to be.
Having to be okay with who the experience has made you. Has her thinking less about partying and more about who she is and wants to be.
Sandy Hook happened. But it only describes one aspect of my life, not who I am entirely. I like to dance.
I’m a whole person.
Rachel
Through her healing process,
Rachel has fought the temptation to stay under the covers and has found solace in spending time and talking to the people she loves.
Dance has given her a place to channel her emotions so that she never has to bottle up what she is feeling.
To other survivors, Matthew says:
“It’s okay to feel how you feel.
It’s going to be hard. It’s okay to be sad.
It will eventually get better, but right now, just stick with it.”
Be a kid. Enjoy your young. Don’t think about the big stuff, or the joy of being young will be gone.
Matthew
What Does the Future Hold?
Rachel is excited to be a pediatrician to be a pediatrician to help children, inspired by people like her aunt who did doctors without borders.Matthew is excited to be studying pediatric nursing to help children who have gone through similar situations.Inspired by this?
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