TAMPA, Fla. — In just under two weeks, students will be returning to college campuses throughout Florida. For many attending Florida State University, this will mark their first return since the tragic shooting in April. 

That includes a Tampa Bay area woman who was injured in the attack.

10 Tampa Bay News initially connected with Madison Askins in late April, shortly after her release from a hospital in Tallahassee. Since then, she’s noted her progress although acknowledging that certain aspects of her recovery remain challenging.

During the Spring semester at Florida State, Askins was injured when a fellow student opened fire on campus, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries. She quickly resolved that she would not allow the incident to define or hinder her.

And she hasn’t. With a fresh new look, trading blonde in for something darker, she’s ready to take on her final year in the master’s program.

“I’m getting ready to get back to campus,” Askins said.

She’s also moving around a lot better. Askins said she doesn’t rely on her walker as much despite still having a bullet lodged in her spine.

Currently, doctors are uncertain if further surgery is necessary, but she spent the summer managing medical appointments alongside an internship in Nashville.

“I gained so much knowledge, and I’m really grateful I went,” Askins expressed. “Physically, it was pretty tough and painful. Fortunately, the company was very accommodating; they provided a standing desk, which made things much easier.”

She admits certain moments still hit her hard.

“I do seek counseling, I do have triggers, I acknowledge all of that, but I keep going,” Askins said.  

She finds reminders of her resilience in her support network of family, friends, the university, and her newly adopted emotional support cat, Nav’I.

“He’s my little ESA animal; we’re taking him up to Tallahassee,” Askins said.

Her biggest advice to other students? Don’t let fear take control. She said bad things happen, but staying connected and checking in with others can make all the difference.

“I would say make sure that you have those hard conversations with your loved ones about crisis situations and what to do because it can save you or a loved one,” Askins said.  

Askins said she will be moving back to Tallahassee later this week. Classes start on Aug. 25, and Askins plans to finish out her master’s program for urban and regional planning with hopes to graduate in May.

Phoenix Ikner is the FSU student police say conducted the mass shooting. He is facing two first-degree murder charges and seven attempted first-degree murder charges. His trial is set to start in November.