Loreal with her mom

Loreal, class of 2012
University of Florida

When I had just graduated from high school my mom passed away due to a snorkeling accident. I felt that my whole life had fallen apart. I felt so lost. I was about to enter my first year of college with the added anxiety being 300 miles away from my family, and expected to become a new independent individual. I didn’t plan for grieving. Luckily, I had many high school friends who were in my freshman class and they provided much-needed emotional support, especially when I felt most lonely. But even still, I couldn’t get past the emptiness I felt due to the sudden loss of my mom. Despite my numerous supportive friends, none of them really knew how it feels to lose someone so close.  I really wanted a way to communicate comfortably with other college students who knew exactly what I was feeling.

The summer before my sophomore year I stumbled upon the AMF website, and knew right away this type of organization was what I was looking for. To meet other students who lost a loved one in an environment that was not counseling, yet allowed people to speak comfortably about their loss. Through a series of e-mails to National Students of AMF I realized there was no current chapter at my university and felt that my school could really benfit from this type of organization. So, I started my own chapter.

Today, Gator Students of AMF has become one of the student government recognized organizations. We have held many support groups and conducted different service projects throughout the past semesters. I know that all of our loved ones would truly appreciate all of the amazing support and friendship AMF provides. I feel this organization is a dedication to all of our deceased loved ones lives, and to all of the people who want to make grieving acceptable and accessible. It is not all about sadness… it is about cherishing the life you had with your lost loved ones.