Melissa Cuervo was a South Plantation and Pathways graduate.

 

She was deeply connected with the arts, playing music all throughout her high school career in the SPHS Band Program. Melissa spent her alone time creating profound drawings that commented on her struggle with mental health, and even created a website to spread awareness and helping others going through something similar.

 

On top of this, she never hesitated to lend a hand out to the animals that needed it. She worked closely with the birds in Animal Science at South, occasionally taking them home during breaks. One day last year, a staff member at our school brought a kitten found stranded, Melissa took it upon herself to create a loving home for her, and named the kitten Luna.

 

Knowing her dedication toward animals, I asked her to come join me in volunteering at the Abandoned Pet Rescue for our Pathways internship. She came along, disoriented by the place. But as soon as she got to spend time with the calming cats in the room, she expressed great gratitude for being able to come. I watched her become so much more at ease, being able to talk about the tougher issues in her life as she pet the cats lazing about her lap. The thought of 30 cats eyes lasered on you becomes much less daunting than the judgemental, unpredictable people so prevalent in the world today.

 

But sometimes demons win.

 

We still mourn the loss of Melissa Cuervo, a beautiful soul who already had odds against her at the start. I spread this story to prevent more grief, to do whatever it takes to keep on living, even if it means vocalizing the most wretched parts of our psyche to a human or cat that will listen.