[Brinniel]

I assign bright, talented people who die too young.

One of the theatre students at my school lost his battle to leukemia yesterday. I never met him, so it really shouldn't have much effect on me compared to others who actually knew him, but it doesn't stop me from feeling absolutely awful about it. Some of my classmates were friends of his, one didn't come to class but I later saw her in tears. It really hits hard to witness those grieving and I can't help but think about all the people he left a mark on and what his life was before this and how it should still be. One of my teachers informed us that he was signed up to be in our class but had to take a leave of absence due to the return of his cancer. My class is dance improv and is the course where I know my classmates best due to the interactions required and the intimate environment. I think my main feeling is regret that I never had the chance to know this student who was liked by so many and experience what kind of person he really was. It is in situations like this that makes one appreciate the people around them so much more. Not just friends, but classmates, co-workers, people who you may have the most insignificant interactions or brief conversations with, or even those who you simply pass by on the street or hallway everyday.