Collin only ever wanted to help people. He was there for me in some of the most difficult times in my life, and always seemed to know exactly the right thing to say or do to make things seem better. He's the most genuine and caring person I've ever met, and I'm lucky to be able to call him one of my closest friends. He was like that for everyone who was lucky enough to have him in their life, so many people have been bettered by knowing him.
I only wish that he had taken his own advice, that he wasn't too afraid to really find help when it was most needed. I struggle with depression and severe anxiety, and he was always there to help me through particularly rough days and sometimes weeks. He made sure that I knew that I could go to him if I needed someone, that he would do his best to help with anything, and to not be afraid to ask for anything. I wish that he had listened to himself.
I do know that he wanted to bring more awareness to mental health, and even had plans to start an annual event at our college. The stigma surrounding mental illness, depression, suicide, anxiety, and so on, needs to disappear. It is not something to be afraid of speaking about, and nobody should be afraid to seek help. Nobody deserves to suffer, nobody should ever feel the need to end themselves, life is worth living and you are worth so much. There are so many people who love you. Getting help is not weakness and admitting you are struggling is not weakness.
Collin, I miss you in a way that words can't describe, and I know I'm not the only one who would do anything to bring you back. You're so incredibly missed and loved by so many people. I'll never forget you and I can only hope that I'll see you again one day.