In Memoriam

Last night I restlessly fidgeted in my chair. The gymnasium was stuffy and bursting at the seams with parents and my fellow graduating class. The boy next to me kept huffing and puffing, taking a walk every now and again to get some air. Bright lights lit the stage as sponsors and teachers read the names of the 84 valedictorians and hundreds of other award  winners. I clapped and "wooted" enthusiastically for my friends' achievements, but soon the high began to drain and I felt as if my head was going to explode. My dress was too tight in the boobs, making it treacherous to take a deep breath. I wasn't winning anything and wondered when my name would be called. Finally, scholarships were being announced. I had been nominated by a teacher of mine for a scholarship and waited for my name. A young man approached the podium and began telling the crowd of his best friend, Aaron, who twelve years ago was lost in a tragic car accident, along with his other best friend. They had been graduating seniors with plans to attend UC San Diego together. He continued on about Aaron's legacy and how only two students every year were awarded scholarships to put towards sustaining their own legacy. My name was called. Completely nervous and honored, I approached the lit stage and shook the hand of the speaker, receiving a red folder, which I took back to my seat, immediately flipping through it. There are pictures of Aaron playing hockey, fishing, as a little boy, and one of his essays. Suddenly my friend said "Oh my God, India" Her finger pointed to a small number printed on the first page: $1500 in memoriam of Aaron. Flabbergasted, I held back tears that I had been honored with money that was in his memory to create my own legacy, and that his parents had turned his tragic death into an honorable mention. I read through his essay and realized what an outstanding boy he was and it made me want to be a better person. The money will pay for my first semester at Saddleback and then some, so that I can begin creating a path in Aaron's memory. Rest in peace Aaron.