When I heard of the Haiti earthquake, I was saddened by the loss of so many lives. It hit even closer to home yesterday when I found out that a friend, Stephanie Jean-Charles was a victim in the earthquake. She graduated from UVA with me in May of 2009 and she was pursuing a masters degree in Public Policy at UVA this year as well. We had a class together our second year, but I ran into her so many times around grounds. She had a smile that would brighten your day, even if it was one of your worst. She had an incredible accent, she had a very positive outlook on life, but most of all she was just a joy to be around. This past semester I ran into her so many times at the AFC (UVA gym) while we were both working out- cardio, using machines, or swimming. I got to see her a lot this past semester. We would always say hi and ask how our respective years were going. In my mind she will still be there next semester when I head to the gym. It is so sad to think that she will not be there. She was such a talented young woman with a bright future ahead of here- she was going to make Haiti a better place by helping reform their education system there. Stephanie I will miss you. Rest in Peace and until we meet again.....
Frank, John, Nicole, Kiersten and other friends that probably knew her better than me- my prayers are with you all as well.
