October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
I met Raj the summer between his Sophomore and Junior year in high school; he was my suite mate at Governor's School East at Meredith College. Unfortunately, we didn't speak all that much that Summer. I just knew Raj as the kid next door with the effervescent smile and good taste in music. Thankfully, Raj and I followed one another on social media during Gov School and he came back into my life his Freshman year at Duke. I was a year older so when I recognized Raj on the KVille lawn during a sunny Fall afternoon I immediately ran up to him. He greeted me with a big hug and we began reminiscing about that great Summer we both had in high school.
We quickly became friends, developed inside jokes, and began spending a lot of time together. I was so happy when he ultimately joined SigEp in the Fall of his Sophomore year. The friendship we created during his Freshman year was always going to last forever, but now it felt more intimate - more cemented. Every moment I shared with Raj was a true blessing. He always made me feel better, even when I didn't even know I needed to feel better. He brought an unparalleled passion to everything he did and he always did it with that famous smile and friendly yet pointed tact.
To the Mehta family, I offer you my deepest condolences. Nothing I write here will be able to offer you any comfort, but I want you all to know that you raised a magnificent young man. A man that touched me in such a spiritual way. A man who I hope to emulate. A man who taught me so much about the world, our place within it, and how we engage with others. I will always be indebted to Raj.
To Raj, I'm writing this tribute to you as "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston plays in the background. I couldn't think of a better song to fit this moment. I will always love you, Raj. I will always remember you. I will always carry you with me. I will see you soon. <3
We quickly became friends, developed inside jokes, and began spending a lot of time together. I was so happy when he ultimately joined SigEp in the Fall of his Sophomore year. The friendship we created during his Freshman year was always going to last forever, but now it felt more intimate - more cemented. Every moment I shared with Raj was a true blessing. He always made me feel better, even when I didn't even know I needed to feel better. He brought an unparalleled passion to everything he did and he always did it with that famous smile and friendly yet pointed tact.
To the Mehta family, I offer you my deepest condolences. Nothing I write here will be able to offer you any comfort, but I want you all to know that you raised a magnificent young man. A man that touched me in such a spiritual way. A man who I hope to emulate. A man who taught me so much about the world, our place within it, and how we engage with others. I will always be indebted to Raj.
To Raj, I'm writing this tribute to you as "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston plays in the background. I couldn't think of a better song to fit this moment. I will always love you, Raj. I will always remember you. I will always carry you with me. I will see you soon. <3