The Atlantic

My Life Since the 2007 Virginia Tech Shooting: Lisa Hamp's Story

“In four years my daughter goes to kindergarten. What if I don’t have confidence that she’s safe?”
Source: Chris Keane / Reuters

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of conversations with those who have survived high-profile shootings or lost loved ones to them. The other interviews, as well as background about the series, can be found here.

Lisa Hamp was in a computer class at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. She survived the shooting that left 33 people dead, including the perpetrator. But emotionally, she wasn’t unscathed. She had a long journey ahead of her, which included struggles with an eating disorder and high anxiety about her safety when she went to public places. We spoke about the complexities of recovery and the different forms her trauma has taken

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