I then had to check my facebook briefly...you know how it goes.
A student at the College I teach at passed away today succumbing to the wrath of cancer. This was the third student death I have encountered during my career. The first two were suicides.
My memory of this student was positive. I remember him dressed as Scooby Doo at athletics day. While I never personally taught him, he used his illness in a positive way - to help others. There was never a point where he wanted sympathy. Instead, he campaigned to get funds to help others with cancer. This included the sale of Canteen bandanas at school (not normally allowed due to gang affiliations). All students got right in behind it and the school was a rainbow of colours for a week. He was on Good Morning for his cause. When it became known that there was nothing more that could be done, he still came to school, went to classes and continued on as normal as can be.
My last memory of him was at the leavers dinner last year, when the Principal thanked him for his strength, and his spirit. He lived his life to the fullest.
Life is precious. We must remember to live each day as if it was our last.
R.I.P David
Sad. I've never had a student die - you've had it tough.
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