In Memory and in Hope: Grace Asuncion

In 1989, Grace Rualo Asuncion graduated from high school and joined her older brother at UC Berkeley. An aspiring doctor, she studied diligently. She was an active member of the Pilipino community.

Her life was cut short in Eshleman Hall on Feb. 7, 1992. On Oct. 4, 1993, alongside the path between Eshleman Hall and Zellerbach Auditorium, a tree was planted in her memory. In 1997, a bench was placed underneath the tree, bearing a brass plaque with her name and an inscription: "In Memory of Grace Rualo Asuncion/Slain in Eshleman Hall/An Intelligent, Vibrant, Committed Student Who Will Always Be Remembered/From Her Friends."

I was there for the ceremonial opening of the bench. I remember my family gathering together to remember and commemorate Grace, and I find it touching that even now, 15 years later, and hopefully for years to come, students remember, commemorate and celebrate her life. On behalf of my family, I would like to extend thanks of the greatest magnitude to the organizers of the candlelight vigil that occurred this past Wednesday, Feb. 7.

I was very young when Grace passed, and as her cousin, my memories of her consist of brief snapshots-I remember her always laughing or smiling.

Whenever I see Grace's bench and tree, I become thankful for the blessing of life. I have been blessed with many things, and although I always, at some juncture, inevitably start to take those things for granted, I always get a rude awakening because of the painful reminder staring me starkly in my face.

Grace's tragedy hits close to home because she was someone we all knew-she lived in Clark Kerr and worked at Yogurt Park. Something similar could happen to you, me or someone we know.

Life is a gift-I wish others could see life that way, that no matter what hardships come our way, we always cherish life's sweet treasures and not let the little things in life bog us down. I wish we felt free to truly capture our passions and run with them; I wish we were better able to appreciate what is truly important in life-friends and family.

Grace was foremost a person, aside from her extracurricular activities in the Pilipino community. Her activities did not define her; her values did. Her vibrant spirit, caring and compassionate soul, sweet laughter and beaming smile made everyone around her happy and joyful inside.

For that, I mourn that her sun was eclipsed at high noon. I mourn that the promise she showed early in life was never allowed to fully blossom.

To those of you who have read this far, I charge you with an important task: Take time out of your busy schedules. Seek out the stillness of your heart. Reflect. Re-evaluate your life and the direction it is heading. Ask yourself if this is where you want to go, if you are truly following your passions, if you are spending enough and truly appreciating time with friends and family.

Follow your passions, dreams, hopes and desires, and fulfill the promise you have inside you-Grace was never given the chance. Always keep in mind that in an existence so fragile and, at times, so seemingly futile, that you are suffused with a blessing so sublime-the ability to live, breathe, walk, talk, and act.

This Feb. 7 marked the 16th anniversary of Grace's death. A lot of good things were, are and continue to be done in her name. After her death, heightened security measures on campus were undertaken, and every student is safer because of them. There are scholarships in her name. But more than that, I have learned a lot from her and will continue to do so. That is why I hope others will remember her, keep her memory alive and learn what I have.

Miss you Grace.

Tags: