I learned about the shooting shortly after it occurred as it quickly circulated on Twitter. The Pollack family has consistently been a second family to us since our father died when we were children. Meadow’s dad embraced my brother like his own, involving him in various fishing and camping excursions throughout the years while teaching him how to drive. I reside in Coral Springs, Florida, which is adjacent to Parkland, living right on the boundary and within walking distance to the school. I attended Parkland schools and participated in Parkland sports throughout my life. I too am a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and I enjoyed some of my favorite classes in that building, so this has already impacted me personally. I began to pack a suitcase but couldn’t figure out what to take, so I gave up. I felt devastated and stunned, mourning for the family while reflecting on my own. I looked into flights, and JetBlue was the sole option available costing between $700 and $999 for a one-way ticket.
As I approached the curb, I noticed two state troopers with their arms out who inquired if I was all right. I quickly outlined the circumstances and mentioned that I had to catch a flight without delay.
They directed me toward the entrance of the ticket counter and did not accompany me inside. I discovered their names later: Trooper Troy and Trooper Karasinski. I talked to a JetBlue representative who provided me with a one-way ticket priced at $700, which was non-negotiable. As a child of a widowed parent residing in New York City, $700 was not only an unaffordable cost for me, but one I was simply unwilling to pay, particularly for a one-way fare.
After roughly ten minutes, I glance up and see the state troopers next to me. They must have arrived to see how I was doing. Trooper Karasinski inquired about my job, probably not only to learn about me but also to keep me occupied since I was still crying and hardly able to talk.
During a call with my mother about the cost, I glance up and see the troopers promptly pulling out their wallets and presenting their credit cards. I’m begging, ‘There’s no need for you to do this. This is excessive. Kindly refrain from doing this. All they mentioned was, ‘It’s already accomplished.’ “Go spend time with your family.” I will always remember the names of the troopers, their faces, and this act of altruism.
I intend to pay it forward in every possible way to honor Meadow and the 16 other lives lost too early, in tribute to Trooper Troy and Trooper Karasinski who supported me during one of my life’s darkest moments, and in remembrance of my fellow MSD students who are tirelessly striving every day to impact our community and the world positively. This story and this tragic event have molded my identity and future aspirations, where I aim to be both a leader and an advocate for change.