This weekend I received the very sad and tragic news that one of my former students and Fremont alumni Dennis Chhom, passed away. I've gone from disbelief to agony to celebration in the last 24 hours. The class of 2007 was so very special to all of us. It was such a close-knit group of kids who stayed best friends even up to now.
I can only imagine what my students from that year are feeling right now. To have lost Dennis in the way that we did, it's just not okay.
Yesterday, I ran a 10K race in Dennis' honor. I've heard of people crying during a run, usually from exhaustion or because of injury. It was early morning still when I did my run, and I cried a few times. I had only felt that kind of catharsis a few times in my life, mainly because I don't cry often.
Today though, I see my current students for the first time since hearing about Dennis. I see them in a different light now. My motivation to make sure that they feel cared for and supported is only that much stronger. My drive to ensure that they meet the high standards of the class through whatever method fits each kiddo has risen.
To Dennis, you will live on in my memories, and all those hilarious videos that you and Anthony filmed for our class. You left behind a world of people who will remember this part of you, the artist, the one who could give society the middle finger but still be so beloved by that same society simply because it was you, Dennis.
To my students, present and former, love hard because you never know when a person's last day will be.
Ms. Paraiso
I can only imagine what my students from that year are feeling right now. To have lost Dennis in the way that we did, it's just not okay.
Yesterday, I ran a 10K race in Dennis' honor. I've heard of people crying during a run, usually from exhaustion or because of injury. It was early morning still when I did my run, and I cried a few times. I had only felt that kind of catharsis a few times in my life, mainly because I don't cry often.
Today though, I see my current students for the first time since hearing about Dennis. I see them in a different light now. My motivation to make sure that they feel cared for and supported is only that much stronger. My drive to ensure that they meet the high standards of the class through whatever method fits each kiddo has risen.
To Dennis, you will live on in my memories, and all those hilarious videos that you and Anthony filmed for our class. You left behind a world of people who will remember this part of you, the artist, the one who could give society the middle finger but still be so beloved by that same society simply because it was you, Dennis.
To my students, present and former, love hard because you never know when a person's last day will be.
Ms. Paraiso
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