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, detailing his love for water and his ambition to study marine life and combat environmental issues like polar ice cap melting.

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. His passion for the ocean remained unwavering, leading him to pursue higher education at UC Santa Barbara. However, beneath his achievements lay a struggle with mental health, which culminated in a semester-long hiatus due to depression and anxiety.

Tragically, Nick's life ended on April 27, 2021, when he died by suicide. His story has sparked discussions about the importance of mental health awareness, particularly among students, and the need for supportive environments that nurture both academic and emotional well-being. The meeting underscored the critical need for resources and initiatives aimed at preventing such tragedies and fostering resilience among youth.