Tom Riggleman – Pam Branchini Memorial Scholarship Essay In January of 2018, my dear friend Heaven Akmal passed away. I met her freshman year as an anxious, shy, and lonely kid discovering his love for theatre and joining a community company. As a seasoned member of the group, all the kids not only loved, but respected Heaven. Although I admired her confidence and talent, she, along with the rest of the upperclassmen in the cast, intimidated me. I remember intense fear during those first few rehearsals, sitting alone and nervously looking down at my script for the duration of the day. It was not until a bubbly, smiling Heaven approached and invited me to sit with her friends did I feel seen in the space. She introduced me to everyone, took the time to really know me, and eventually ended up driving me to and from rehearsals. She was the defining positive force in my life, even after I myself grew into a “seasoned” member of the team. Our friendship continued to blossom, and junior year, my high school decided to put on a production of Godspell with me in the role of Jesus. It was during this process when it was announced that Heaven had died. She was a freshman in college, only 18 years old. The news seemed to physically hollow out my chest, leaving nothing but an angry and nihilistic void in its place. I begged the universe for some sort of resolution, or answer, or anything that would not only restore my life to its previous state of normalcy, but my world to a place with her in it again. Although to this day I have not received anything of that sort, there is good news. Time went by, and I, being human, do what humans do best: adapt. After graduation I decided to volunteer as a coach for MasterAct, a summer camp at my high school for 11-17 year old kids. The first day of rehearsal came, and before me was a group of hyper, deafeningly loud kids. Well, mostly loud. In the corner sat a patient and quiet 12-year-old girl looking down at her script. In her eyes I saw a young and terrified version of myself. At that moment, something changed in me. That void in my chest, filled with rain, had its storm clouds finally part. Shining now was what was underneath all along: the beautiful memory of Heaven. Her essence of unending compassion began to live through me, and for the remainder of camp, I took that girl under my wing, introducing her to everyone and ensuring her inclusion in group events. For the rest of my life, I will look back and see Heaven’s compassionate eyes and her deeply understanding smile. However, even as those concrete memories fade, I will act forward with her essence of inspiration, guidance, and positivity. Because of Heaven, I will strive to be that positive and collaborative force in the lives of young artists. Now, after graduation from college, and beyond. Thank you for reading.