In this op-ed, Teen Vogue weekend editor De Elizabeth explains why the Parkland shooting survivors will be the ones to affect change: they’re saying what politicians won’t.

It's been less than a week since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that took place in Parkland, Florida, but there has been a palpable shift in the air since. In the days that have passed following the February 14th attack that left at least 17 people dead, survivors have been using their voices to push back on the current presidential administration, demanding that action be taken. We live in a culture where gun violence feels far too common, yet many people have noted that this time feels different.

The reason, of course, has to do with young people.

Almost immediately after the shooting took place, the students who survived the incident were active on social media, blasting the predictable and underwhelming responses from America's leaders. When President Trump took to Twitter to offer his "prayers and condolences," a Parkland student named Nikki simply responded by asking: "Why was a student able to terrorize my school, Mr. President?"

In a viral tweet that has since been deleted, student Sarah pushed back by saying: "I don't want your condolences, you f*cking piece of sh*t. My friends and teachers were shot. Multiple of my fellow classmates are dead. Do something instead of sending prayers. Prayers won't fix this. But gun control will prevent it from ever happening again." (She later explained: "I hope you know I’m a grieving 16 year old girl who lost friends, teachers, and peers yesterday. I was and am still angry. I am apologizing for my comment but not for my anger.")

That's the sentiment that we're hearing over and over from these survivors: do something. And they're turning their anger into action. Yesterday, February 16, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School marched outside the Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, carrying signs with the slogan that's become their rallying cry: #NeverAgain.

It was at this protest where Emma Gonzalez took the microphone to call "BS" on Trump and other politicians who continue to receive funding from the NRA. "To every politician who is taking donations from the NRA, shame on you!" Emma said at the rally, before leading the crowd in a call-and-response to shut down the common talking points from politicians.