It started as a peaceful afternoon in a hammock but in  seconds became a life-changing moment for FSU student Laurel Day.

In the latest episode of Discover the Joy: The Purdy Podcast, Laurel shares her firsthand account of being on campus — at Landis Green, during the FSU shooting; how she mistook the gunfire for construction noise, then sprang into action to warn others, and run for safety. She even tried calling 911 but couldn’t get through due to the overwhelming call volume.

Within 50 seconds, sirens filled the air. Laurel praises the lightning-fast law enforcement response, and opens up about the aftermath, the power of community, and how she’s using this traumatic experience to forge ahead — focusing on graduating this fall with a degree in hospitality and tourism.

Yes, it’s a story of survival. But it’s also one of clarity under pressure, and hope as Laurel explains how she has worked to maintained her joy.