Stephanie Forrest

I was lucky enough to have a few classes with Michael at NMSU. The first time I saw him was in our 7am Drawing II class. I think one of our first conversations was: "What were we thinking taking such an early class?" I remember being intrigued by him instantly. Exuding confidence and a carefree attitude, Michael was obviously someone special. I remember being terrified in that class, having no confidence in my drawing. Every so often Michael would waltz around the room, with his buds in his ears and check out everyone's work. He later told me he thought my drawings were some of the best in the class, which I never believed, ha. I think Michael wanted people to feel good about themselves, feel like they should be proud of whatever it is they are doing. That only confirms what an amazing heart he had. 

We were given short breaks in the class, no more than 10 minutes if we were lucky. Michael and I started talking during these breaks. We talked about everything, from Obama to music to his trip to Japan. Also artists that we were interested in and ANYTHING funny. (Obama because this was right before his first election, I used to wear an Obama t-shirt and it sparked Michael's interest.) Soon Michael and I started hanging out, running amok all over town. 

The last time I saw him, a friend and I went to his house here in Las Cruces, Jay Stubbs you were there too. We had dinner and drinks and lots of laughs. And then the adventurous side came out of us. Michael was trying to show me how to skateboard down the street. I was frozen solid on one board while he was next me on the longboard. Holding my hands and doing all the work, he was yelling: "You got it! You got it! Look you're doing it!" We laughed and laughed, and he never let me fall. He was such a sweetheart that way, always wanting everyone to get involved and have fun. 

Sometimes his smile will pop into my thoughts randomly and it warms my heart. I will never remember him as ANYTHING BUT sweet, sincere, ambitious and full of life. I will miss him dearly. 

P.S. The only picture that I have of him was taken with a 35mm camera. He was packing a suitcase to go home for the holidays. He is sitting on the suitcase trying to zip it up. It was almost impossible with all the clothes and shoes he was trying to take with him. He told me, "Stop taking pictures of this. It's not important. Take pictures of important stuff." He then grabbed my camera and took about 5 or 6 pictures of me!