I've never known anyone my age who has died before. At first, it was unreal to me. I couldn't believe that when I went to my AP Lang class tomorrow, Morgan Hooper would not be sitting there smiling. So I didn't go to that class. I don't want to tomorrow, but I know that I will. We will probably talk about Morgan and how we all are handling it.

I haven't been good friends with Morgan since eighth grade. She was in my English class and she was so much fun to be around. One day we were having a party in that class, and we went to get sodas. The machine was out so we went to the teacher's lounge and she went in to get the drinks while I kept watch outside the door. I never usually do stuff like that.

She was so spontaneous and outgoing. She was nice to everyone that she met. I've never known someone so optimistic and energetic. She was always so happy and always smiling. She made so many people happy. She was so full of life, and I think that that's what bothers me the most.

This whole event has really put everything into perspective for me. Life is a gift and we shouldn't waste a second that we have. We shouldn't hold back. We should live life to the fullest. We should be as optimistic as possible. That's what Morgan would want.

I haven't really had any strong beliefs for a long time. I just couldn't believe in God or Heaven or anything like that. Now, thinking about it, I can't imagine Morgan being anywhere else right now. I want to have the kind of faith that she had. She will never know how much she has impacted my life.

Morgan, rest in peace. We are all thinking about you.