This past Saturday, a senoir at my school died of alcohol poisoning. He was our Commisioner of Internal Affairs, President of the Model UN club, President of the American Canser Society, and friend to just about everyone on campus.

Aydin and I weren't close at all. The most interaction I've ever had with Aydin was a glance in the Awkward Hallway.

The class of 2010 is so unfortunate to have lost him and another girl, Marika, back in 2006. Luka, Marika's younger brother, is in my biology class and was a close friend of Aydin. Luka is such a sweet guy, and for him to have lost people so dear to him breaks my heart.

I'm fortunate to not have been so close to these people, but very unfortunate that I have not had the opportunity to have these people touch my life. I don't go by without a day thinking about how painful it must have been for Luka to lose his big sister.

I saw how everyone reacted around campus. I saw the tears, heard the sobs. I didn't understand why I felt to need to cry as well. I didn't cry. Instead, I went to my friends and made sure they knew I was there for them. I can't say how grateful I am to be alive and have such a fortunate life.

Today is Aydin's 18th birthday.
Happy Birthday Aydin.