“Eric, with no dramatics, was one of the few lifelines I had in the time I spent with him. Senior year can be really difficult. Lots of emotions, decisions to make, and goodbyes to be had. It was made much easier when I had a support system that was not impacted by how I performed in school, work, or my extracurriculars. Eric was always the biggest cheerleader in the room. I would notice how easy it was for me and the other kids to share what was going on in our lives, good and bad. I was constantly in awe of him and how far his sincerity, compassion, and selflessness reached.

He met me exactly where I was every time. A first generation kid who was anxious about college. A child who was navigating the cultural differences between her and her immigrant parents. Most importantly, someone who was beginning to figure out her identity. He celebrated me at my highs and comforted me at my lows. We spent many weekends together between youth group and lion dance and the thing I remember most was just how easy it was to be with him. How easy it was to talk. To laugh. To get advice. It is difficult to find someone, particularly as a teenager, that you can go to and show the best and worst versions of yourself without commentary or judgement. He went above and beyond as a mentor. I am so thankful that I had a mentor and friend like Eric in that season of my life. I would not be where I am and who I am today without the guidance of those like him.”