The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

Last week, our university lost a promising first year student. In the two years I’ve been here, he’s the first student I’ve directly interacted with who’s passed away. I didn’t work with him much, but I do remember him being very polite and professional every time we interacted. The summer before he enrolled, we had a few online conversations about the upcoming school year and what he could expect here. Things appeared to be falling into place nicely for this young man.

I don’t know what was going on in his life between last fall and last week. When we received the news of his passing, it was sudden and brief. A telltale moment where what wasn’t being said told more than what was being said. Unfortunately, social media filled in the gaps.

Life can be complicated sometimes. I hope he’s found peace. I wish his family some sense of comfort during this time of loss.

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