The day I lost my best friend to mental health struggles was the day everything in my life changed. It was the day I truly understood how important it is to tell people you love them and to hold onto them as tightly as you can—before it’s too late.

It was the day after spring break. March 31, 2025. People were laughing, sharing stories about their week off and trying to adjust back to school. The bells rang, lockers slammed,everything felt normal.

But that normal didn’t last for long. 

After school that same day, I was helping my friend make her Student Congress poster due the next morning. The markers were drying out, and we were laughing over the smallest things. It felt like any other afternoon. 

We suddenly got a call from her brother. 

He asked if everything was okay at home. We all looked at each other, confused. Then, he informed us that he was listening to the police radio and a young kid on her street had passed away. 

In that moment, everything shifted. Laughter paused and our hearts dropped. We began to question what other kids our age lived on the same street as her. But the only person that popped into our heads was our friend, Desta Burns. 

Desta was also a student at East Lansing High School, but he was much more than that. He had the sweetest soul and put others’ needs before his own. Desta loved playing football and proudly wore #21. What made him stand out wasn’t just the game–it was the way he made people feel. He was the kind of person who could light up every room he walked into without even trying. Always there for his friends, making people laugh and caring more than anyone realized. 

I met Desta in 7th grade, and from then on, he became a part of my life. We grew up together, creating memories that felt so ordinary at the time but now mean everything to me.

Immediately after we started to connect the dots, I called and texted Desta asking if everything was alright and to call me back if he gets the chance. No answer. 

It felt like time was frozen as I waited for a call back. Every second feeling heavier than the last. 

About 20 minutes later, her brother was able to confirm that it was Desta who passed away. When those words left his mouth, everything stopped. Nothing felt real at that time. I kept hoping there was a mistake, that somehow it wasn’t true. But as more people began to hear the news, the truth became impossible to ignore. In an instant, the laughter faded, and a heavy silence took its place.

I couldn’t stop thinking about him. His kindness and the way he made everyone feel seen. I thought about the last time we talked, not knowing it would be the last. I thought about all the things I wish I had said, all the moments I wish I had held onto just a little longer.

That day changed everything for me.

It taught me that people are fighting battles you may never see. It taught me that checking in on someone, even in a small way, can matter more than you know. And most importantly, it taught me to never leave things unsaid.

The one-year anniversary of Desta’s death was on March 31, 2026. One of his closest friends, Everett Millhouse (11), organized a memorial for Desta at Patriarche Park. It was a time for everyone to come together to honor Desta’s life, share memories and support one another.

Now, I make it a point to tell all the people in my life that I love them. I hold onto moments a little tighter and appreciate the time I have with others, because nothing is ever guaranteed and life is short.

And if there’s one thing I carry with me now, it’s to never wait to show someone they matter, because sometimes tomorrow never comes.