Over the weekend a freshman girl at my high school committed suicide. I think it’s hitting hard for the majority of people at school, and it’s especially close to home for me. There are so many mixed emotions about it, the principal really didn't want to hold a memorial because it was her choice, or it was selfish, or it shouldn't be brought attention to, I don’t know. My student council director stood in front of a class of mine today and spoke through tears and told us how wrong he was for that. If there has ever been a day where I felt like I was in a dream, today has been it.

     I don’t have much to say. I don’t think the right words have been invented yet to use in a time like this. I don’t think anyone knows the right way to deal with it and in a lot of ways, I hope it’s never a situation common enough that someone will learn how. I just hope, and I pray that I never see someone so hopeless that I don’t reach out to again. My first reaction was kicking myself in the ass. Why didn't I see the things she was posting online? Why didn't I bother to look? Why did I not smile at her in the hall last week? I know that’s what a lot of other people are thinking too. There is a time for grievance, and this is it. But we cannot continue to blame ourselves. Only remain hopeful, caring, and compassionate. Be a friend. Help someone pick up their books in the hall. Tell someone good morning. Even if it doesn't to 500 out of 501 people you reach out in some way to, it can be worth it once. And that’s wort h it.