I never had her as a tutor, and by the time I reached the Section Four mark in my FYP experience, she had given what would turn out to be her last lecture and had disappeared.

Even so, I knew she was something special. There was a passion in her lectures. They were easy to follow — a rarity, really. She was important to every single person, and you got the impression that every single person was important to her. When she was gone for that second semester, her absence was felt everywhere. Despite the limited time we had with her, the class missed her deeply and sent flowers and a huge card. When Dr. Brandes gave us what little updates he could, we clung on to every word and applauded good news.

I wish I had known her better. I wish I knew as well as the older students exactly why I feel so sad. I know that there’s an empty space that will not be filled. I wish I knew what would have been there.

She will be very very missed.