When I'm feeling down I could look over to Maria. She was smiling. That would lift me up.

When she saw me, she ran out the only thing I could understand was Maria. She latched on to me. I latched on to her. We cried together.

It's a great feeling when your work is appreciated.

Lorraine once told me, smile big when you’re sad. Smile big when you’re happy. Smile big when you’re bored. Because regardless how you feel, your face could use a stretch.

She smiled all the time even during the bad times. She always had a smile. She lifted me up and the other kids up.

It's a terrible loss to our class as well as the whole school. Everyone loved Maria.