Every day is an opportunity to encounter people. Thousands of interactions, conversations, and moments fill our days. Occasionally, we get lucky and we encounter individuals that leave their mark on us and make a lasting positive impression and impact. Carey Shook is one of those people, and she has certainly left her mark on RHA. Here’s what the Executive Board has to say:

Hope: “Carey is one the sweetest people ever! She has such a kind heart and is always there for others. I still remember meeting her for the first time at the Area Council retreat! She was so excited to meet everyone and getting to know people. Priya, Carey, and I sat there talking about random stuff for hours! Carey has grown so much as a leader and a person this past semester and I cannot wait to see her continue to grow!"

Jacob: “I wanted to let Carey know how much she means to the RHA organization. She's the kind of person with a kind and accepting soul that we as an organization want to emulate and show to our community. Carey embodies the kind of environment that we want to create: passionate, friendly, hardworking, and creative. Carey knows how to show adequate recognition for her peers and she has had a positive impact on my experience as a student and a leader at UNCW. It's hard to imagine what her loss has meant to her and the impact that loss has had on her life, but I hope she knows that she has her RHA family to reach out to if ever she has the need.”

Cierra: When I read Carey's note to us on Facebook I almost cried...I was having such a bad day and she reminded me that I was doing at least one thing right. She seems like a thoughtful person who just wants to be a positive light on those around her. I don't really interact with Carey on a regular basis, but I appreciate every time that I am able to.

Brantley: “I would like Carey to know that even though this is an incredibly tough time for her, there is a whole organization, and if you ask around probably a majority of a university, that is here to help. This time in your life and the way you feel and act for certain reasons depending on how you feel will determine the rest of your life. It is okay to feel crappy, it is okay to take time for yourself, it is okay to reach out for help, it is okay to take a break from something because you may be too overloaded in an another area of your life, and it is okay to cry to and hug others for support. Emotions and thoughts are like trains. You can visualize them when you have them and as long as they are there, the train is passing by and there is nothing you can do to stop it. When the train is gone, so are the thoughts and emotions but in a calmer and healthier way. However when you try and stop the train people or yourself get hurt. Speaking from experience, the pain may last for a minute, an hour, a day, a year or maybe even and too often for much longer, but eventually it will subside. If you are having trouble people are here to help and don’t think for a second that you can’t reach out to the huge support network that you have at any time."

Paul: I would like Carey to know:

When I first talked to her at Summer Sizzle I had no idea what the future held. There I was, trying to do my best to explain both what Hawkbills are and what RHA was and I didn't think I was doing a very good job. You (Carey) were very receptive and listened to everything I said, which I really appreciated. You even said that you were going to run for Area Council, but I was still skeptical (sometimes people don't follow through in life). What I am about to say is something I should have told you by now, but even I struggle to talk to people at times. Seeing your success, dedication, and overall spunk in RHA has really been a bright spot on the year. You show passion and motivation, and this coming from the guy who rapped his way into the position. You remind me all the time that you never know what one person can do. As stated before, I had no idea what you were going to do after our first conversation, but holy cow you couldn't have written it any better. UNCW has a lot of student leaders, but in my opinion it needs more like you!

Scott: I would like Carey to know that she has been one of the most amazing people I have met this year. I got to know Carey when she and I were the only ones to attend a Landing Area Council session where she got me and Paul confused (as more and more people seem to do nowadays). I also had the opportunity to grab Wag Out and joke around with her and her roommate along with Joe and Jacob before she became Landing President. She was very genuine and passionate about getting involved at UNCW. I love how open Carey is. She is willing to share personal stories to help start a conversation and champions for societal improvement. She is also a great leader and is growing into a stronger one: Landing President, multiple editor-in-chief positions, Odyssey writer, alternate OL, and the list will keep on growing. She helps remind everyone in RHA why we do what we do and she is an astounding person to know. I would like Carey to know that I am appreciative of all that she does for our organization and know that we have her back and are supporting her every step of the way.

Kendall: Oh, sweet Carey, I would like you to know just how much I admire you and your incredible strength, resolve, and passion for mental health and moving forward in honor of Andrew. You have such a sweet soul and offer so much to this world. You offer hope to those who suffer in silence through your writing and words, you offered me an outlet to write and express myself through Odyssey, and you offer so much love and passion for the Dub and RHA that it makes my heart grow. I am so thankful to have met you this semester and I am so so proud of the person you are and the student leader you’re becoming. It is an absolute pleasure to know you, serve UNCW with you, and call you a friend. RHA loves you so much, and so do I. We are always here for you, and we stand with you. Seahawks take care of each other, and we cannot wait to continue watching you soar.

Joe: I’m not very good at these things, but this is a blessing that I would like Carey to have.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

My grandmother taught me this blessing. I hope Carey finds truth in these words.

So much Dub love,

UNCW RHA Executive Board 2016-2017