This year has been a whirlwind. I experienced a devastating loss this school year which altered me immensely. My grandmother passed away in September 2019. She and I were very close and I loved her deeply. She passed away while I was at school (I was supposed to be returning home the next morning). I had lost other people while I was in college, but I had never lost something so close to me and I was devastated. I found myself pushing away from all of my friends at college and I was pushing away from academics as well. To be honest, I was completely derailed. However, eventually, I realized that she would not have wanted me to suffer so deeply over her loss. She became my driving force. I pushed myself harder than I ever have and I reaffirmed my commitment to academics because I know that is what she would’ve wanted. I was also reminded of how important family is and how to never take the people in your life for granted. I hope that is a lesson I will carry with me always. Here’s to you, grandma.
