On the Road

I know that I’ve already written about my experience working at a local high school here on the Island, but today I heard some truly heartbreaking news: One of the senior girls I had the privilege of working with in the college counseling department died.

I remember that she was a twin, full of life and always surrounded by friends. She also was one of the valedictorians that year and went on to The University of Washington after graduation. Her life and dreams were cut short.

There were many bright and promising students that year, and I remember hoping — both silently and, sometimes, vocally — that each one of them would explore education away from Hawaii, as that had done so much for me as a student and as a person. This particular student chose to go away, and looking at the photos she posted, she seemed to be enjoying her life after high school and apart from the Islands.

I’ve honestly never felt as fulfilled in my life then when I was offering my help to these students — these intelligent, beautiful young men and women. I will never forget how proud I felt hearing the news that they had been accepted into the school of their dreams, or the time spent sitting with them trying to figure out recommendations and applications. Mostly, I remember the surprising gumption each of these students showed to go to college and become the person they wanted to be. They have changed my life in unimaginable ways.

Furthermore, the only students that came into the college counseling classroom were the ones that wanted to be there. This young girl, who just lost her life, was one of them. And, nothing is more devastating than a soul whose potential has faded away for good.

There is so much of me that feels called to go back and continue to help in this rewarding process, but I have to remind myself that not every story is one of success. Sometimes, there is failure — whether by one’s own choices or by life’s wishes. When you’ve aided in someone’s triumph, there is an instant investment. My heart breaks again and again for this girl and her family. Little does she know, but she represents a part/investment in my life that I hold so dear to my heart.

For the remaining Kaiser High School class of 2015, I hope that life will only continue to be an open road of which you continue to grow and move forward on. Remember your potential, your value in this world and the impact that you have on others. You’ve surely impacted my life in more ways than you’ll ever know.

If this tragedy has taught me anything, it’s to watch my steps and find firm foundations. This accident will always bring sadness to my heart, but I lean on the hope that her memory will only inspire others with so much ahead of them.

 “Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever on the road.” — Jack Kerouac