Interview with Vicky Gonzalez

On this sunny Sunday morning I’m sitting across from Vicky Gonzalez in my one story Coachella home in my modernly decorated kitchen. We are sitting at my stone made table with a vase of blossoms in between us. Vicky has agreed to sit with me and answer any questions I may have about that fatal day. During the interview I find myself getting overwhelmed with emotion as she speaks on the events of that day. “ I felt as if my heart was pounding so fast, so loud, so hard against my chest the students could hear it and it was only making them more afraid. What’s more frightening then an adult that doesn’t know what to do in this situation?” “The fear in their eyes, their cries for help, some even preying for dear life that they make it out this alive it is something I could never forget. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life” 

A. In all of your experience with teaching,  what has most surprised you? It’s an obscene question to ask in this situation but it’s part of the questions.

I understand. Well obviously, when someone comes into the school you work at unloading a gun it’s not just another typical school day. 

B. What has been the most difficult aspect of your work (or your experience)?

Preserving the safety of my students and always remaining calm even when I want to freak out, cry, and scream too just keeping my composure.

C. If you have had the chance to change something about how you approached the situation, what would it be?

All I would do if I could change anything about that day is open the door sooner, and if I could I’d call the police beforehand but I know that wasn’t in my control

D. Can you remember a significant moment in your work on being a teacher ? Is there an experience with teaching that stands out in your mind?

This is a pretty dumb question to ask someone who experienced what I went through because I’m obviously going to still say the shooting but I’m assuming your teacher wasn’t prepared for someone like me to speak on an issue like this.

E. What do you think is the most common misconception about school shootings? Why?

I believe the common misconception is there are ways the students could prevent being stuck in these situations, there isn’t. We need gun reform not teaching students how to not get shot, not clear back packs, not treating school like a prison. 

F. What are the significant current trends in school shootings?

That they happen so often and there is still no change. 

G. Who or what has most influenced you? Who are your heroes?

No one other than my father.

H. If you had to summarize the most important thing you’ve learned about the shooting, what would it be? Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. 

I. What is the most important thing other people should know or understand?

This is never the victims fault. The fault lies in the shooter, no matter how mentally ill, what skin color, race or ethnicity and the blood is on the hands of the shooter and the ones who’d rather keep their guns than keep their kids safe.