There are life changing moments that most time happens without us really understanding the impact. Oscar Grant III was that life changing moment for me. I remember everything I was doing prior to hearing the news of his murder. I was sitting at my desk, preparing to get started on the orders I needed to enter for the day, I remember hearing the news and feeling such an extreme sense of loss, it was as if my best friend had died. Keep in mind, prior to that day, I didn’t know anything about Oscar, had never even heard of him until that moment, but I was incredibly sad at the loss of his being. I made the mistake of watching the released footage of his death on whatever site had it available, and I cried so much I had to excuse myself to the restroom. With that one shot, his life gone. His dreams and goals would never come to fruition, he would never have the opportunity to see his daughter grow, he would never be able to right his wrongs. Hands down, one of the most significant memories in my life, and I still felt the pang of what he could have grown into.

I recently visit San Francisco for the first time, and while on the BART, I sat across from the Map, and my eyes landed on Fruitvale station. I once again felt sadden by the events that occurred in 2009. On a day where we all celebrate whats to come, how we were going to do better than the previous year, Oscar wouldn’t get the opportunity to fulfill his resolutions. I know life isn’t fair, and we aren’t supposed to question the moves of the Creator, but what good has come from Oscar being gone? Besides feelings of anger and sadness? I will be going back to California and as much as I would like to visit Oakland, I don’t think I am strong enough to do so.

I’m thankful to have been exposed to Oscar Grant III’s story, I do believe I am a better person. I want to believe I love harder, am more compassionate, a tad bit more of a risk taker, because I know Life isn’t to be lived forever but to be cherished!

And for that, I thank you Oscar. You’ll always be held within the depths of my heart.

Tristan Jonez.