In a poignant moment during a recent government meeting, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Nick Song, a promising young student from the San Gabriel Valley whose dreams of becoming an oceanographer were tragically cut short. At just 5 years old, Nick expressed his aspirations in a school project, revealing a deep passion for marine biology and environmental conservation. His ambitions included studying aquatic life and inventing solutions to combat climate change, particularly the melting of polar ice caps.

Nick's journey continued as he excelled academically and athletically throughout middle and high school, becoming an active community member and a beloved figure among peers and family. He pursued higher education at UC Santa Barbara, driven by his childhood dreams. However, beneath his achievements lay a struggle with mental health issues, which led him to take a semester off from his studies.

Tragically, Nick's battle with depression and anxiety culminated in his death by suicide on April 27, 2021. His story highlights the critical importance of mental health awareness, particularly among students, and serves as a reminder of the unseen challenges many young individuals face despite outward success. The meeting underscored the need for increased support systems and resources for mental health in educational institutions, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.