Introduction to the Incident
Two parents from Broward County rushed to Florida State University to make sure their daughter was OK following a deadly mass shooting.
Several students on Saturday gathered at the university for a vigil, where music was played and prayers were said.
The Parents’ Concern
The mother of 18-year-old Jennifer Jenkins was at the vigil with her daughter and spoke to NBC6. "So she sent us a text and said she was fine, physically, but emotionally, as parents, we drove up," Jacqueline Jenkins said. "I needed to make sure my daughter was OK." Jacqueline and her husband live in Broward. Jennifer is a freshman at FSU and is studying music. She was in her dorm when the chaos unfolded.
Rushing to Be with Their Daughter
The Jenkins rushed to Tallahassee after hearing about the mass shooting. "To have her so far away from home, I couldn’t just put my hand on her to make sure she was okay," Jacqueline said. "As a parent, some of us drove a little faster than we needed to, to get here because there were no flights available." "I’m just grateful that I have my parents here to lift my spirits in such a dark time," Jennifer said.
Personal Experience with School Shootings
The Jenkins lived down the street from Marjory Stoneman Douglas when that school shooting happened in 2018. "So for them to have to live through that once in a lifetime is bad enough, but now they have to have it here," Jacqueline said. Moved by Thursday’s shooting, the Jenkins went to Saturday’s vigil, where candles flicker for the lives lost. Each flame was a reminder of how quickly everything can change." "And I think all of us are concerned that we live in a world where they have to worry about this," Jacqueline said.
University Response
FSU President Richard McCullough announced that classes and university operations will resume on Monday.
Conclusion
The incident at Florida State University highlights the concern and fear that parents and students face in the wake of mass shootings. The Jenkins’ story is a testament to the love and worry that parents have for their children, especially in times of crisis. As the university resumes its operations, it is essential to remember the lives lost and the emotional toll that such incidents have on the community.
FAQs
Q: Where did the parents rush to after hearing about the mass shooting?
A: The parents rushed to Florida State University in Tallahassee.
Q: Why did the parents decide to drive to Tallahassee?
A: The parents decided to drive because there were no flights available.
Q: What was Jennifer doing when the chaos unfolded?
A: Jennifer was in her dorm when the chaos unfolded.
Q: What is Jennifer studying at FSU?
A: Jennifer is studying music at FSU.
Q: When will classes and university operations resume at FSU?
A: Classes and university operations will resume on Monday.
