Kiri, class of 2009
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

When I was in 8th grade, I lost my grandpa to a heart attack. I remember my mother’s panic as she she tried to make it to the hospital. I also remember a lot of crying when we got to my grandparent’s house. It was a very emotional experience that always stuck with me. I also vividly remember the first funeral I ever attended. It was my for my friend and classmate Ashley, who passed away during my sophomore year of high school. She was walking to her bus stop when another classmate of ours lost control of her car, hit and killed her. Ashley’s death was so unexpected and it really forced me to confront and deal with mortality for the first time in my life. Since then and through all of my death experiences, I have had wonderful support systems, and I have experienced firsthand how a strong support network can help anyone get through the grieving and healing process. My experiences, along with the help of my professor Dr. Illene Noppe, led me to where I am today. Dr. Noppe taught me to not be afraid of a rather taboo topic. Sharing is a healthy way to grieve. And now it is my goal to help others with their grief and help spread awareness of college student grief.