November 20th, 2014 - In Memory of Mr. David Menasche

There are points in life when everything clicks and it seems everything has happened for a reason. You dont realize how just one person can change the course of history. Every person who crosses your path, every move you make, and every breath you take changes the path you are on. Where you are right now was determined by the moves you make everyday. 

Unfortunately when you realize how important a person is to you and how you came to be, it is normally too late. I would not be living my dream as a traveling photographer if I did not go to Ringling College and get an amazing education. I would have gone to a totally different school and met completely different people if I had not gained the courage to do what I loved and not stuck to the safe route. I would have never gained the courage to express myself, know who I am and who I wanted to be if I never took AP english with Mr. Menasche my Junior year in high school.

At the time, I was an ignorant teenager, worried about which boy liked me, how much allowance I had left this week, and if people could see the huge pimple growing on my forehead. But the moment I walked into AP literature, I grew ten-fold in years, matured into a semi-eloquent writer, and found how to express myself. I never saw the effect this teacher held over us all, just by listening.

To quote a friend of mine who also had Mr. Menasche as a teacher

"Today, there is a lingering grayness to the skies and people all over the world are treading in rivers of weeping tears. As we cope with this shock it’s calming to think that things happen for a reason. And the faster we weave the left over threads in hopes that we will discover the answers to our wonders, the faster we render ourselves powerless and confused against this fantasy of destiny. Yet, I can't help but shake this feeling that at this very moment David is thinking “What the fuck, dude. Get it together.” Because for a man who had an irreversible case of brain cancer, the only thing we can be sad about are (a) the selfish urge to have him back, and (b) that his time was cut too short. The fact is that this man was initially diagnosed with this terminal illness almost a decade ago, and up until yesterday he bravely concurred every day that he fought for the opportunity to wake up in the morning – remember, he decides. Don’t for a second think that he did not live a vast and adventurous life. This man traveled like a gypsy, published a novel, inspired a movie, met interesting people, and never missed an opportunity to delve into conversations of legitimate substance. As for all of us, he inspired, he taught, he loved, he guided, he modeled, he admired, he respected, he cared, he protected, he soothed. David Menasche had faith in individuals who he saw a lot of himself in. He was a fan of the rebellious youth and the openly opinionated and he admired responsibility and confidence in others. He provided a welcoming heart for those of us who were in need of some insight or simply just in need of a hug…hugs…David always had the biggest, warmest hugs and sometimes id even forget to let go. But today we should all let go. I am not suggesting that we forget him, on the contrary, I am suggesting that we keep the remembrance of him and the inspiration that he fueled us with to propel ourselves up into greatness. But let him go, let him be at peace, and for his sake, become everything you can be because that’s all he wanted for anyone he loved. And lastly, don’t be afraid to embrace the rebel in you…after all…rebellion is the only thing that keeps you alive.

Eternally love you, D."

I will Be Brave Menasche.