Gift

Today I received news that a classmate of mine from grad school, Kalpna Mistry, passed away on Sunday. She was doing a Fulbright in the Philippines, and while the details are still fuzzy for everyone, it appears that she had some medical complications.

I didn't know her well. We had both started student organizations that sort of went hand in hand, and we occasionally had lunch to discuss the ways in which our organizations could work together.

The girl was amaaaaaaaaaaazing.

In addition to starting and leading her student organization, she also organized a social justice trip to New Orleans over spring break to help clean and repair schools, helped to organize the Voices for Africa conference, and organized resources in Health Services for students suffering from migraine headaches. I'm sure I've only touched upon a few of the things that she did in one year. I'm also certain that she waltzed through that year with straight As. And through it all she never seemed stressed or overwhelmed. That absolutely dazzling smile was always constant.

I remember talking to her once in the library, and telling her how impressed with her I was. "How do you DO it all?? I can't believe the amount of things that you do around here!! You just might be my hero!" She just laughed and shrugged. I'm glad I had the opportunity to say that to her.

She believed strongly in teachers and the teaching profession. She was all about the ground level, the grassroots, and she turned her ambitions to the underserved students in our nation's inner-city schools. She believed in the tremendous power and potential within each of her students. One of her closest friends from grad school started a Facebook group in memory of her, and most of the wall postings thus far are from her students and colleagues. She made a true and indelible impact in the lives of her students, and she will always be a part of their future success. In that way, her legacy will continue forever.

The great thing about my grad school experience is that people were recognized for their contributions, and there was just a constant sense of appreciation and support among the faculty and students. Kalpna was honored with the Intellectual Contribution-Faculty Tribute Award for her program at the end of the year, and wore a special gold cord--and that dazzling smile--at graduation. I'm so glad that she got that well-deserved recognition.

Many, many hearts will be breaking as the news begins to spread across the globe. It's always hard when a friend or classmate passes, especially someone who was so young and so capable of creating long-term change in the world. It's also especially hard when that person passes away while overseas. It's a sharp reminder of all of the things that can go wrong so far from home.

I feel like I've spent so much time recently mired in negativity because of certain aggravating situations that are currently in my life. And, no, I am not becoming a negative expat. In fact, the absolute joy that I experience every day in Asia is what keeps me going. I just think that I let little stuff get to me more than is healthy, and I find myself ruminating and stewing and anguishing and complaining more than is necessary. Lately I feel as though I've been turning a corner, and I think Kalpna's example has helped to push me the rest of the way. Here was someone who radiated positivity, who never lost hope, who had endless energy, who actively inspired everyone she met. Myself included.

Kalpna, thank you for teaching everyone who knew you--even if for just a moment--that life is a gift. Worry is futile. Every day should be a productive and joyous one. Every day should be an opportunity to serve. Though I did not know you well, your energy and example were absolutely pervasive. If I begin to feel myself getting sucked into my own negative pit over silly little bullshit, I will keep your smiling face in the back of my mind so that I will continue moving forward with joy and with urgency, for there is much to be done.

R.I.P., beautiful one.