My Professor. My Mentor. My Friend.

I just learned today that a dear friend of mine passed away. It hurts. Matt Bradley influenced my life more than he probably ever knew. I met Matt during my very first semester at the University of Utah. Matt taught my honors writing class - my favorite that semester and I don't even like writing! Matt encouraged me, stretched my abilities, and changed the way I viewed the world. I went on to take two more classes from Matt while at the U.

Matt always went above and beyond. He was a big influence in helping me choose my honors thesis topic and helped me with the research (even though he wasn't my adviser).

Perhaps it was because of his young age, his vitality, or just common interests, but Matt became more than just a professor. He was a true friend. Matt introduced me to my ex-husband, came to our wedding, double-dated with us, invited us into his home, came to my birthday dinner, taught me about cycling, and convinced me to get a bike.

Matt helped me realize my potential. He kept in touch and cheered me on through law school. One time he wrote a Facebook message to me that said "I hope you are well, because in truth, you were always one of my favorite students." Silly that this meant so much to me but it did. It came at a time when when my confidence was wavering and I truly needed that boost.

In the divorce aftermath, Matt was sympathetic but his sympathy is not what helped me. It was his example. About the same time, Matt lost his leg due to a rapidly spreading cancer. I'm sure this was extra-devastating to Matt as he was an avid and competitive cyclist. Matt didn't let it get him down though. The second he was able to be fitted for a prosthetic leg, he was back on a bike and went on to race for the U.S. Paralympic team. Seeing Matt's example helped me to realize that going through hard things doesn't have to be the end of the world. Matt taught me how to live. He inspired me.

More on Matt can be found in today's Salt Lake Tribune.