College years; what a time to be alive. This is the perfect moment to go out and live life to the fullest before we settle down with careers and families, not to congregate around a six-foot box headed six feet down. Yes, death is inevitable and does not follow age guidelines, but there is something particularly dreadful about saying goodbye to someone under the age of thirty.

Imagine having that usual excitement for Christmas break that seemed would never arrive. You passed that challenge of a Chemistry final you crammed all night for and now the time has finally come to unwind, but then the text message flood emerges. Have you heard the news? Call me. Something terrible has happened. They’re gone. I’m sorry. Next is the countless Facebook posts, pictures, and memories shared – not enough memories. Now imagine spending that “break” at a gathering with all of your high school friends, but under the worst circumstances imaginable, and before the normal five-year reunion mark. In addition, the whole drive there was the struggle of trying to think of what should be said to a couple who are about to bury their child, never to reach an answer. This is an exemplification of what happens when death strikes far too soon.

It is exceptionally difficult on young adults to properly handle loss when there are so many other obstacles thrown at us daily. Homework, relationships, sports, social interactions, and internships can make it seem even more exasperating when tragedy weasels its way in. The only control we have is where to go from here, and typically at this age, we have a great deal of life left. That being said, we who have faced this sort of loss have the opportunity to turn grief into our biggest strength. We have experienced firsthand the eye blink that separates friends from angels, therefore we know early on how important it is to live while we’re young and to keep moving in their honor.

When it seems the only certainty in life is death, know that right in this moment you are still breathing, and that is enough.