I suppose that being a college instructor, (or any kind of teacher for that matter) it's bound to happen eventually, but I was informed today that one of my favorite students, a wonderful young man, commit suicide late last week. This is very difficult for me, as I got to know him quite well and taught him all of last year. He was a very positive person, loved cars, soccer, and martial arts, and unlike most of my students, had a chance to travel abroad to Italy, and had hopes of visiting other countries. He always had a good attitude in my class and kept good grades. He was also one of the few students who would occasionally swing by my office just to chat after school... It's really hard for me to understand right now.

I just can't wrap my head around this because he gave no warning, exhibited no signs of distress or depression... In fact, he came to school that morning, paid his school fees as if nothing were amiss. In the afternoon he drove back to the village where he's from, and a neighbour spotted him climbing up a railway bridge. He called the police but by the time they arrived it was too late. It's just a real shock. I feel like Mike Tyson just slugged me in the head.

For those who aren't aware, Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the industrialized world, and more than 30,000 people die annually.

Now I just have to try and keep focused and do what I need to do. If I dwell too much on it, I won't be able to complete my obligations. But it's going to be hard.

Jim