Narrative Essay - My True Colors

Lauren Blossey

February 18, 2011

Narrative Essay

My True Colors

     Is a woman’s character defined by the way she lives the majority of her life or by the way she acts when there is a tough decision to be made? On a day-to-day basis I am very responsible and level-headed. I put others’ needs before my own and am depended on by many. I have always prided myself on being able to take control of any situation. One unfortunate event changed the way I look at myself. I am sure many people’s opinions of me have changed as well.

     I am the Assistant Director of a preschool. Basically, this means I am in charge of everything that goes on in the school. I make schedules, order supplies, manage accounts, recruit and train employees and much more. One of my responsibilities is to create and maintain the emergency preparedness plans for the building. The plans contain detailed instructions for what to do in case of a fire, inclement weather, or anything that could endanger the safety of the children or the staff. I put a lot of time and effort into making these plans perfect. Responsibilities were given to each employee. During any emergency situation my role was to lead the staff in implementing the plan. I was ready for whatever came my way.

     Not long ago I was put to the test. It had been a very peaceful day at the school. I was sitting at the front desk thinking about how happy I was that the work day was nearly over and daydreaming about my plans for the weekend. I was startled by someone shouting in the next room. As he ran into the room he yelled to me, “Call 9-1-1! He has a gun!” I did not know who he was at the time but that did not matter. I picked up the phone and dialed 9…when suddenly I realized that if someone came through the front door intending to shoot someone I would be the first victim. I abandoned my post at the front desk and ran to my daughter’s classroom. As I grabbed my little girl, I told one of her teachers to call the police. Immediately everyone started to panic. They all wanted to know what was happening. I only told them that there was a man with a gun and we needed to lock down the school. More questions were directed my way but I ignored them as I quickly fled the room with my toddler in my arms. I left the teachers scared and confused when I should have been calming them down and directing them on how to keep themselves and the children safe. I walked into the nearest supply closet and closed the door behind me. My mind was filled with images of Columbine and a recent horror film I had watched about a mass shooting spree. Not once did I think about the fact that I should be helping people. It did not even cross my mind.