On Tuesday, November 21, 2017, our hearts were broken. Omar Saleh, a second-year student at Manchester University's pharmacy program, lost his life in a tragic accident. Tuesday was our last day of school before Thanksgiving break. Omar was on his way home to Dearborn, Michigan to spend the holiday with his family, but never made it home. The accident occurred in Waterville, Ohio at around 7:00 p.m. when his vehicle went off the left side of the road striking the median twice and overturned, as he was ejected out of his car.

Omar was one of the nicest, most humble and kind-hearted people I ever had the privilege of knowing. He did not have a mean bone in his body. His laugh was contagious. He had a confidence in him that was admirable. Omar was his own person. He was real. He made being a good person seem effortless because that's exactly what it was to him. He was a good person, effortlessly. He did the right thing. He helped others. He never judged. He was welcoming. He had a heart that could be seen from miles away. He was not just a classmate, he was hope for my class. He was a role model student.

Even if you do not know Omar, his story will affect you in some way or another. All he wanted to do was go home to spend the holiday with his family, but his life was cut too short. His family was expecting him to come home Tuesday evening, but instead, received a phone call that will forever change their lives. Omar was away from his family in the first place due to him being in school. His family was supposed to see him graduate in 2020 and become a pharmacist. He had so much going for him. Omar had a bright future ahead of him and so much potential to accomplish all of his goals and dreams. It is simply not fair...he was one of the good ones.

On Tuesday, my friend and I were planning on heading back home as well after the school day ended to spend the holiday with our families. As we were walking out of school, we vocalized to one another how tired we were to drive and that it was starting to snow. We both agreed to stay another night and head out to our hometown in the morning. My heart is heavy thinking about what if we did leave the same night as Omar. What would have happened to us? Would anything have happened at all? If nothing would have happened, then why did it have to happen to Omar?

The same night, my friend and I decided to go out with two of our other friends from class. At around the same time that Omar's accident occurred, we were talking about him. The four of us were reminiscing about our class since the semester is ending in a week. Omar's name was mentioned in our conversation and that got us to talking about how admirable he was when he would present in front of our class. Omar had striking confidence and carried himself so well. We were saying his name as he was taking his last breaths. We did not find out about his passing until the following morning on Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

During this holiday season, as you are spending it with your family and loved ones, think about Omar's family and loved ones. They will be having an empty chair at their Thanksgiving dinner. That chair will also be empty in our classroom, but we will always save your seat, Omar.