When one of my closest childhood friends, Anton, committed suicide a few years ago, I was completely devastated and thought I would never recover. However, after months of denial and avoidance – not knowing how to talk to anyone about this topic – I realized that, despite our many cultural and political differences, the universal experience of personal tragedy is what binds us all together. After many difficult discussions, I decided to devote myself to a meaningful service project in which I could keep the conversation going. Having found and supported PAPYRUS (the Parent Association for the Prevention of Suicide among Young People), promoting its patronage at my school, I found meaning in Anton’s death. Today, PAPYRUS uses many ways to prevent suicide among young people. Speaking to over 1,000 people at a school meeting, I promoted PAPYRUS to the point where it was chosen as the school charity of the month. We toured boarding houses, organized sports events to raise money, and encouraged people to donate funds. Solving such a personal problem and experiencing in such a large public arena was not an easy task, but raising awareness in this way paid tribute to Anton. I realized how important it is to talk openly about uncomfortable topics. It also taught me the value of friendship – taking care of someone and appreciating them in the moment, rather than agonizing over their loss.