You have to be stronger than your obstacles, and braver than your fears. - Anonymous
On January 14, 2014, I learned the difference between being a victim and an overcomer. I think we can all agree that this world is crazy and anything can happen to anyone at any time, but the difference is the way you understand and accept it when it happens to you. A victim is one who lets a tragedy or pain effect and take them down negatively. They believe that this is their life now and there’s no room left to improve or grow; having a stagnate life. Now an overcomer may go through this for a while and take their time to be upset and that’s okay, even normal. Yet the second they are ready, they will fight and try their hardest to achieve what doctors say is impossible. They try to become a better version of themselves, push to limits they never thought they had. Understanding this concept is what got me through and this is my story.
It was a beautiful January morning, I was on my way to a regular school day, so I thought. It was still cold out so all the students were in the gymnasium waiting for the bell to ring to go to class. I was sitting with my same group of friends in our same usual spot when all of a sudden before I knew it, my life was changed forever. My first thought was “Really, what dumb kid brought fireworks to school.” But as I started to look around, all I can remember was seeing “him” with a gun lying in front of his feet, teachers holding him while trying to get every student out, and everyone running and screaming. I had no clue what to do and all of my friends ran out before I could even put together what was going on. I knew I was in trouble and I didn’t know what to do. No one else noticed I had blood all over me, I even went to three teachers and they all just pushed me through doors telling me to go hide. On my way, one student looked at me and said “Were you shot? Are you okay?”. At first, I thought, no not me, I couldn’t be, but then I just looked down and saw how torn up my clothes were and at that point realized I couldn’t feel my arm. That other students and I ran though empty halls until one teacher opened up the room to us and realized I had been shot.
Once we got into her class room and were secure, 911 was called and everyone in the room with me kept me talking and alert. The teacher that took us into her room made sure no one was going to get through to us and she was going to do whatever she felt she had to do to keep us safe. What seemed like forever, finally the faces of the EMT’s were over me and working to get me to the hospital. After that, most of it was a blur but the one thing I do remember was my medic telling me that I was the calmest gunshot victim he has ever had, and I have to say, I was proud of that. But in the back of my mind I still didn’t think this was all real. I was later flown to Lubbock and had two different surgeries. The first one was abdominal exploratory surgery and two days later had to have a right brachial artery bypass (major blood vessel of the upper arm) leaving a total of 4 scars with numerous gunshot marks from the birdshot. The first surgery left a very long scar on my stomach. The second one left scars on my arm, ankle, and groin with a bunch of mini scars from the birdshot which is all over the right side of my chest and arm. After spending a little over a week in UMC hospital, I was able to come home, but to me that’s when my real fight started. I had to go through numerous physical therapy sessions, Dr. visits and tons of blood work. I had endless people always wanting to come see me. All the support was nice but it still never phased me that this was all real.
It seemed impossible to be positive in this situation. My face was all over the news for weeks, and my body hurt all the time, and I felt so useless. I didn’t know what to do until my Pastor from Church on the Move spoke out to me and made me realize this wasn’t the situation I wanted to be in, so from that day forward, I realized I needed to turn my thoughts around. I understand that God put me in this situation for many reasons, some of which I don’t even know yet, but one is to share what I have learned. That when something bad happens you have two choices. I learned that I can either choose to be miserable and accept that this is what my life is now or accept it and use it to my advantage and grow from it. I chose to grow from it and to share my story with others. So, with this said, I hope I can inspire and encourage anyone that their scars are beautiful and a part of them. They show what we have overcome, so instead of being ashamed of those scars, let’s be proud of them and love ourselves!
I was only 13 when this incident happened, I am soon turning 18 and am in my senior year of Early College High School achieving my Associates in University Studies and a certificate in phlebotomy. I am also in my senior year of the Assistance League of Chaves County, I have purchased my own 2017 car, I conquered the Bataan Marathon, have been working for over 2 years now, and most importantly improving and growing closer to God each and every day. I have lost over 40 pounds and have regained all power and strength in my arm, probably have more than I ever have before. Yes, I do look down sometimes and see how my scars don’t look good or make me look weird but then I have to remember, they are what made me who I am today. Yes, I deal with anxiety and health issues daily but I am also taking down my fears one day at a time, like going to the shooting range, which was a huge accomplishment.
They are my scars and my obstacles that I have overcome and I am beyond proud of them. I’m thankful for my struggles because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.
I am an overcomer of the Berrendo Middle School shooting on January 14, 2014; not a victim.
7 Comments
Sep 5, 2023, 9:17:04 AM
Rita - Your story was amazing. I remember taking care of you at the doctors office and when you showed me your scars, it made me want to cry, but I had to be professional. Once I left the room to get the doctor, yes I did cry. You have been an inspiration to our community. Thank God you shared your story. Keep going strong and May God Bless You!!!
Sep 10, 2018, 7:17:11 AM
Brian Milstead - Kendal is an amazing person. The chose that she has made to overcome a situation that would make most people curl up into a ball and close themselves off from the world, instead she has stood out and done amazing things. Kendal, you were one of my hero’s that day, and remain one today.
Sep 9, 2018, 7:56:56 AM
Jessica portio - I’m so proud of you Kendal you are a strong women keep on doing everything your doing your growing to be a wonderful women love your big cousin
Sep 6, 2018, 10:13:38 AM
Silvia M Scherff - I often wondered about you, the boy who was said to be the target is related to a cousin of mine, and I have seen so much about him, but not as much about you and the other scared students of that day, now I know why, I am so proud of you and the choices you have made to better your life, and it's people like you who push me to go on with myself, and I honor you with all heart, God is Great, and so are you.
Sep 6, 2018, 9:31:44 AM
Kristen H - I am so proud of you! You are a true inspiration to all of the young women in this world. Standing firm in Gods word and trusting in him alone provides great strength and achievements! You are amazing!
Sep 5, 2018, 11:58:36 PM
Julie Smothermon - I am beyond proud of Kendal! She IS an overcomer!! She has not only overcome so much, but she has done it with a smile!! The words she has written are an inspiration to me and should be to anyone who has looked difficult situations in the face and kept going. Kendal, we love you! You are beautiful inside and out!!!
Sep 5, 2018, 10:17:11 PM
Sally I Green - Absolutely Beautiful!! So very proud of you! Can't wait to see how the Lord continues to use you. Much Love!