Cherish those you love now, and hold them a little tighter before it’s too late was the message that echoed during the vigil held in honor of Tonia Angelina Blair and Tais Alejandra Hinojosa last week. Students, faculty and staff gathered in the Memorial Student Union Building on May 9 to commemorate the memory of two individuals whom in a short matter of time managed to impact the lives of many at the university.
Hinojosa,18, was a dedicated and hard-working freshman from Robstown aspiring to major in pre-social work. Hinojosa’s friends describe her as a kind-hearted spirit and always willing to help anyone she encountered. Her infectious smile is what they will remember most about Hinojosa’s personality.
“Tais had a contagious smile. If she didn’t know you she made sure to cause a spark and be your friend…she was always so caring with her friends and family and always showed a positive attitude no matter what we were doing,” said Belia Ibarra, a biomedical major.
Upon discovery of the tragic news, the Javelina community was deeply saddened. On Sunday April 28, Hinojosa was riding in the back of a Toyota Yaris, when a GMC Sierra crashed into the rear end of the Yaris. Hinojosa was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away from her injuries. Her memory will live on through all who knew her.
During the vigil students were able to share experiences about their loved ones and offer words of comfort to one another.
Blair, 22, was a freshman majoring in business marketing with plans of a bigger future. She was the dauntless girl on campus with her motorcycle. Blair’s friends recall her as amazing and talented, and someone who excelled in anything. Blair was also engaged to Jason Maille and had plans to move to Alaska. Maille described Blair as a shy and quiet, and the sweetest women he had ever met. However, on Wednesday, May 8, Blair was pronounced dead as a result of a motorcycle accident. Police reported a sport utility vehicle pulled out in front of the motorcycle, causing fatal injuries.
Blair left an impact the Javelina community and will be missed dearly.
“She lit up a room and made us laugh no matter what…we are deeply sadden by her passing. Jason, I’m here for you. You guys were always together, she was an honorary member of Phi-Delta Chi. It’s hard to think she left the love of her life, and it breaks my heart, but we are here for you,” said Xavier Canché, a pharmacy major.
The vigil concluded with a prayer of hope by Joe Luna, director of the Baptist Student Ministry
“Words will never do justice when you feel the loss of a friend, family member, but believe me when I say my heart breaks for the family and friends of these two women of faith. They have made an impact in the lives of many and will be missed terribly,” Luna said.
Kirsten Compary, assistant vice-president of Student Affairs, and the Student Health and Wellness staff offered comfort to students.
“You may not feel it now, but peace will come. Through the loss of my mom and my daughter I’ve learned that grief is a process, it will never leave but it will change. I know it’s hard to feel it now but it will come, we will never understand why or the reasoning behind it, but we must find ways to have peace within our hearts,” Compary said.
