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Issaac Smith

The "What I'm thankful for" speech can get old really quick. We've been writing about that since we were in grade school. But sometimes it's necessary to reflect on what we're thankful. Especially in my generation. We take a lot of things for granted.

I complain about school almost everyday but I'm thankful to further my education because one person I know couldn't. My friend Issaac was murdered five days before graduation. It took the school by surprise. It was the second day of finals and I woke up to my aunt talking about someone from New Britain being killed. Never did I expect it to be a friend. I looked on Instagram there were pictures of people with Issaac everywhere simply saying "R.I.P.". I ran to my mother and started balling my eyes out. Just the thought of us having an empty chair at graduation was heart breaking. 

Issaac was the boy in school with a hot tempter but everyone loved him. Even if he got into an argument with you he would make sure he'd apologize and everything would be okay. He had the most beautiful smile and the best personality.

With the loss of a friend who just wanted to graduate and better his life I'm thankful for the simple things. I am thankful for the stress that comes along with going to school. I am thankful for being able to have a tough professor. I am thankful for my roommate problems. I am thankful for the days I wake up and don't feel like going to class because I get to see another day. All these struggles are just resulting in me getting a degree to have a good life. 

Issaac and I had a class together whenever he missed it he would always ask me for the work. At one point in the semester he was in a situation that he missed our class for three weeks. He caught up on all the work in 2 weeks. He missed lunch, stayed after school, and even asked me for help. The whole school year all he talked about was graduating and what he planned on doing in his future. I'm thankful for working on my future. Issaac is my motivation. I will always remember him and he will always be with me through my school struggles. I know I have to keep going no matter what.