“Why Every High School Student in Latvia Is Learning to Shoot a Gun” Excerpt From “Why Every High School Student in Latvia Is Learning to Shoot a Gun” including the girls

RIGA, Latvia — Sindija Brakovska is 18 years old and dreams of becoming a hairstylist or a dance teacher. She studies at the Riga Technical School of Tourism and Creative Industry, a vocational school centered on hospitality, tourism and fashion. “I love girly stuff,” the tall Latvian tells me. On this March morning, roughly two dozen girls between 16 and 18 are sitting in the classroom with Brakovska. Some of the girls look shy. Others sprawl with the studied boredom of teenagers everywhere. ” “The room could be almost anywhere in Europe — if not for the rifles on the...