I first met Angela in 2015 when we hired her as a student assistant in our department at San Diego State University's library. She was such a breath of fresh air. Outgoing, warm and funny — like another tribute said — her breathy laughter was so unique and contagious. She never met a stranger!
I went to her graduation party at her parents' house and felt overwhelmed by the pride radiating that evening. After she graduated, I was able to hire her as a research partner on a San Diego Pride grant while she felt out her next steps. She took the assignment seriously and was almost solely responsible for the research and authorship of our website. She was so precociously brilliant for an undergraduate. I found myself constantly having to modify my assumptions not only when showing her how to do things but also when talking theory with her. I knew she was going places.
Even though I would miss her terribly, it was my absolute honor to write her a recommendation for a job she applied to in Chicago and away she flew. We had had so many discussions about her future. She had many interests and was incredibly adaptable and intelligent; I knew whatever she chose to pursue would work out.
I was humbled by her beautiful decision to pursue dance in spite of the anxiety she felt over career security. Having seen her dance, I knew that if anyone had a shot in the dance world, she did — she was born for it.
The last time we were in touch, we were trying to figure out if we could take a virtual pointe class together. That had to have been in 2020 or 2021. The thought that it was my last chance is now unbearably present. There's a hole in my heart where Angela lived. I don't understand how or why this happened, because it doesn't make sense that such a light would be taken from this world. I hurt for her family and for everyone who loved her. I count myself amongst them. Never stop dancing, sweetheart.
Anna Culbertson is the head of Special Collections & University Archives at San Diego State University's Library.
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