03-05-2025
‘Don't let your offender beat you': FSU shooting survivor shares recovery journey
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Madison Askins is back home in Pasco County after spending five days in a Tallahassee hospital.
She was one of the eight people shot by a gunman at Florida State University a couple of weeks ago.
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On Friday, Askins shared her story of perseverance with News Channel 8.
'You always think it won't happen to you, it won't happen to your family members, and then you get shot,' she said.
From the day Askins toured Florida State University, she fell in love with the campus.
News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'What does it mean to you to be a Nole?'
'Well, right now, after going through all this, I'd say, definitely unconquerable,' she responded.
Askins graduated from FSU with her bachelor's degree last year but decided to take her education a step further.
She returned to Florida State to get her master's degree, and in the midst of her time as a graduate student, the unthinkable happened.
'You're going to lunch, you're minding your own business and then, all of the sudden, you hear gunshots,' Askins explained.
Askins said the bullet went through her buttocks and into her L5 vertebrae.
She explained that's where it remains today.
Looking back, Askins believes she's alive because of something her parents, both retired Marines, told her growing up.
'When it comes to a shooting, play dead,' she explained. 'I mean, none of these are foolproof, they're not foolproof, but at the same time, these things will increase your chance of survival.'
'They are hard conversations that I hate that we have to have in the world, but they're very much necessary,' Askins continued.
News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'Do you think it's because of those things your parents taught you that you're here today?'
'100%,' she responded. 'I fully believe if I was moving, he would've shot me again.'
But her story doesn't stop there. The perseverant FSU student said she will be back in August.
'Good news is, I'm off the walker so I'm on the cane now,' Askins said.
As her journey of recovery continues, she wants the world to know, life doesn't have to end after a tragedy.
'Don't let your offender beat you,' she said. 'Whatever he took from you, go get it back.'
'Keep going, keep moving forward, don't let them win,' Askins continued. 'Also, to everybody watching: life is short, eat a cookie.'
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