‘He should have stayed home’

At the age of 13, I was no longer considered a kid in this society. I was living in the age of exploration. It was a start for me to discover who I am and who I will be in the future for myself, for my family, for someone else, and for society. I was sure back then that I would be someone telling stories of different people. I would speak words that sound like harmony to the heart of everyone. I would show the reality through the pretentious eyes of film and writing.

At the age of 17, I was on the way to reaching that dream. I was being who I wanted to be. I was studying the program I wanted. I was moving step by step toward my dreams. I was someone fulfilling her dream but still someone exploring what my youth offered. I made mistakes and learned from them. I failed at times, but I tried and tried again. I never gave up.

But at the age of 18, I never thought I’d hear a story of a boy, a year younger than me, accused and shot dead.

I may not have known him personally but I know he was innocent. When I was his age, or even younger, I was curious, too. I’ve been asking myself: What does an alcoholic drink taste like? How does it feel to be out late at night with one’s friends? How fun can a party be? I am curious: What does it feel to live in the moment. I’m pretty sure most millennials know that feeling, too.

I couldn’t blame you, Kian delos Santos for wanting to experience your youth. The ones I do blame are those people who blame you for your death, and the system of our government. I blame those whose mind is blinded by a controlled society.

You can’t say that Kian should have stayed home. If he knew he would be shot, he would have really stayed home. But you know what? What he knew is that in this country, policemen are people who would protect him if he was in danger. He didn’t know it is they who would take his life.

He knew he wanted to be a policeman. He had yet to enter the service, but his future coworkers already misjudged him.

Kian, I understand that you were just like everyone else. You had a dream not only for yourself but also for your country. You wanted to protect this country, but this country did not protect you.

I am sorry, many are sorry, because this country is not the place for you to fulfill your dream.

* * *

Kaycee Villamater, 18, is a communication student.