Messages for the Family and Friends of Jessica Soto Perez

If you would like to leave a message for Jessica's family or friends, please use these directions:

• Send email to promise@umbc.edu
• Write "Jessica Message" in the subject line
• Include your school or affiliation (e.g. University of Texas El Paso, graduate student, Chemistry)

Messages will be posted on this site within 24 hours on weekdays and by Monday morning if they are submitted during the weekend.

From Jessica's Mother, Received Saturday, July 10, 2004

Hi, I am Jessica's mother. I need how I read the Jessica message. I am so, so sorrowful. I read very good the english. I dont speak good english but I
understand very well. Please, I need yours prayers for my son, husband and me. Thank you very much for you help in my hard moments. As soon as possible I
will sent the last moment in the Jessica's life, her funeral.

MESSAGES

From the UMBC McNair Scholars, June 30, 2004

Dear Dr. Tull and the PROMISE Family, The UMBC McNair Scholars Family shares in your grief over the tragic loss of your PROMISE Peer Mentor, Jessica Soto-Perez. We have truly benefited from our association with PROMISE and we know that Jessica was an important part of your program. Please know that McNair
stands at the ready to lend any support and assistance you may need at this sad time.

With deepest sympathy, The UMBC McNair Scholars Family

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From UMB PROMISE Co-PI, Jordan Warnick, July 2, 2004

Please convey my deepest condolences and that of the UMB family from President Ramsay, Dean/Vice President Orlin, the deans, and the faculty and students at UMB.

--Dr. Jordan Warnick, Professor of Pharmacology, Assistant Dean of the Medical School

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Via phone call from Dr. Michael Radis, Howard University -University of Texas El Paso AGEP (HUTEP)

We were just with Jessica at the Preparing Future Faculty Workshop. We are so sorry to hear about this, she was a bright young woman.

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From Ginny Thomas, UMBC, July 12, 2004

I didn't know Jessica but she sounds like a wonderful young lady. Truly a loss to our society. Sorry for your loss. Take care.

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From J. Pegues, Coordinator, PROMISE@ UMB, July 12, 2004

To Jessica's family,

The Bible says that Jesus wept at the pain of losing a friend. When those around saw him, they said, "See how he loved him [Lazarus]." We weep also
for the loss of Jessica because we loved her, and we hurt with you and for you. I know that no amount of words can comfort your broken hearts but God
has left us with a comforter who can, and who will minister to us if we trust and believe with all our heart, mind and soul. I pray each day that
God will give you power and strength to carry on. I pray that He will comfort you and heal your pain. May He be your fortress and your rock.

There is power in prayer; but most importantly, the power is in the One to whom we pray. You are in mine daily!

A la familia de Jessica,

La Bíblica dice que Jesús lloró en el dolor de perder a un amigo. Cuando ésos alrededor de la sierra él, dijeron, "vea cómo él lo amó [ Lazarus
]."Lloramos también para la pérdida de Jessica porque la amamos, y lastimamos con usted y para usted. Sé que ninguna cantidad de palabras
puede confortar sus corazones quebrados pero el dios nos ha dejado con un comforter que puede, y quién ministrará a nosotros si confiamos en y creemos con todo nuestro corazón, mente y alma. Ruego cada día que el dios le dé energía y fuerza de continuar. Ruego que él le conforte y cure su dolor. Puede él ser su
fortaleza y su roca.

Hay energía en rezo; pero lo más importantemente posible, en el que esta' a quién rogamos. ¡Usted está en el mío diario!

-J. Pegues, PROMISE Coordinator - UMB

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From a Mayaguez Campus classmate, Yelitza Ortega Rodríguez , July 12, 2004

Even though I wasn't a close friend I knew her from some INQU classes and I was very shocked to hear Jessica's news. Since the news started to be know
here in Puerto Rico, all the persons that remember her were very sad. We asked God to give Jessica's family all the strength and faith to overcome
this situation. Deep in my heart I know Jessica is in a better place now, taking care of her family.

A la mamá de Jessica:
No sabe lo mucho que lo sentimos. Todos las personas que conocían a Jessica del COLEGIO han estado orando mucho por ustedes para que puedan sobreponerse
a esta situación. Que Dios les de mucha fuerza y sobre todo mucha paz.

Sincerely, Yelitza Ortega Rodríguez

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From Kegang Chen, BimSifram Group, Chengdu, P.R. China, July 12, 2004

Hi. I am Kegang Chen. I was Jessica's classmate when I studied in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering dept at UMBC from Sept 2001 to May 2003. I was shocked to hear this tragedy this morning. jessica is a lovely and accomodating girl. Here I extend my condolence to her family and friends, let us help with each other
and go through this hard time.

Sincerely, Kegang Chen.

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From Norma Green, UMBC Office of Student Life, July 13, 2004

You have my deepest sympathy and I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely, Norma L. Green - Coordinator of The Mosaic: Center for Culture & Diversity

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From Anthony Ferro, UMBC student, July 13, 2004

Dear Family and Friends of Jessica,
I am a senior at UMBC, and having never meet Jessica I can tell you that this malice act has hit us hard. I feel a very deep sorrow in my heart knowing that
one of our own was targeted in such a senseless act of violence. I send my regards to the family of Jessica and I only hope that this tragic incident will
provide something positive for the family, friends, and fellow students of Jessica someday in the future.
Sincerely, Anthony Ferro

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From Brian Greenan, UMBC Graduate Student, Intercultural Communication Department, July 13, 2004

My deepest condolences to the family of Jessica Perez. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with you all. I never met Jessica but my girlfriend and I
were deeply struck by the news of her passing. We are with you in spirit and we plan to assist the event to honor her on Friday, July 16.

I don't know what more to say . . . I hope that you can remain positive, loving, patient and strong. Please know that many people have you in their
hearts and minds. We will continue to pray and wish the best for you in these difficult times and in the future.

Peace and love, Brian Greenan

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From Tita,Josefa,Luis to Jessica's Mom and Family;sentimos mucho por lo ocurrido,aqui desde Virginia estamos orando por todos ustedes,Que Dios los Bendiga....Tita,Josefa,Luis..., July 13, 2004

Cielo La playa

Hola Familia,soy Tita la hija de Luis y Josefa.Nuestras oraciones estan con todos ustedes,pues me siento parte de la familia. Por la informacion del Internet fuimos
nosotros a llevarle flores a su colegio.Como sabe vivo en Virginia,cualquier cosa que pueda ayudar estoy a sus servicios,siento mucho por lo ocurido ,que Dios los
bendiga y este con todos ustedes.

Note from PROMISE: The message above was sent in Spanish, the translation below is provided by the PROMISE Spanish class members, July 14: Shanna, Tracey, Ulunna, Ucheoma, Willie, and teacher, Vivianna:

Hello Family, I am Tita, daughter of Luis and Josepha. Our prayers are with every one of you, because I feel like part of the family. Because of the information that you provided on the Internet, we took flowers to the college. As you know, I live in Virginia. Anything that I can help with, I am at your service, I am sorry for what happened, God bless you and be with you all.

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From Dr. Nelson Cardona Martinez, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez, July 15, 2004

On behalf of the Chemical Engineering Department's faculty, staff, and students at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez I want to express
our deepest condolences to Jessica's family and friends. This is a very unfortunate loss and we pray to the Lord to give them sufficient
strength in this moment of sorrow.

Sincerely,

Nelson Cardona Martínez, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, UPRM

A nombre de la facultad, del personal y de los estudiantes del Departamento de Ingeniería Química en el Recinto Universitario de
Mayagüez les deseo expresar nuestro más profundo pésame a la familia y a los amigos de Jessica. Esto es una pérdida muy desafortunada y rogamos
al Señor que les de suficiente fuerza en este momento de dolor.

Sinceramente,

Nelson Cardona Martínez, Catedrático y Director, Departmento de Ingeniería Química, RUM

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From Bill Murphy, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training for District 18, Toastmasters International, July 15, 2004

My name is Bill Murphy and I am the Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training for District 18, Toastmasters International. I have known Jessica Soto
Perez for over 4 years. During this time I saw a great transformation in Jessica. Jessica was initially very shy and through the Genesis Toastmaster Club
at UMBC, Jessica overcame her shyness and became an excellent speaker and leader. Jessica loved life and she always had a warm smile for everyone she met.
One of Jessica's finest moments was when she won the Area 54 Table Topics contest. We gave her a trophy and she was so happy to share her success with her
many friends. Jessica was a mentor to many of the new Toastmasters in the Genesis Toastmaster Club and was always available to help a new Toastmaster.
Jessica was one of the most positive Toastmasters I have ever met. Jessica in her short life made an impact not only in Toastmasters, and UMBC, but with
everyone she ever met. We in the District 18 Toastmaster family are saddened at the loss of Jessica Soto Perez. It is fitting and proper that this Friday
7/16/04 at UMBC at 3PM that we honor the Life of Jessica Soto Perez. At this time we pray for the family of Jessica Soto Perez that Jesus will give them the
strength to get through this difficult time. I believe that Jessica is in a better place where she is in peace. For God so loved the world that he gave him
only begotten Son, that whoever believith in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:15). Lo Siento! Bill Murphy

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From Jessica's Mother, July 16, 2004

Dear Dr. Tull and the PROMISE Family. We are so sorry because this friday we will not go to a Ceremony to Honor the Life of Jessica. All family are in Puerto Rico we celebrate nine days with prayers in our house it will finish the next saturday. In the first days of august we will go to UMBC . Thanks you very much for yours attention in memory of Jessica.

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From Mohammed ELShoukry Graduate Student Computer Engineering UMBC, July 16, 2004

I didn't know Jessica personally. But her nice smile and happy spirit seen from her picture is a big sign of how great person she was. I have all the sympathy with her family and hope they get the strength to face such a tragedy.

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Exerpts from "... Angel Jessica", Robert Alexander, UMBC PROMISE Peer Mentor, July 16, 2004

Jessica, was a highlight of every PROMISE gathering. She had a spirit and an energy that was mesmerizing. Whether it was the 10AM, Wednesday morning UMBC peer-mentor meetings or getting together after a PROMISE function in College Park, Jessica had this way to make you enjoy whatever you were doing. She was so much fun to be around, but at the same time she was like a Mother or big sister. I miss my friend. I am thankful to the Lord for blessing me (and us) with such a beautiful and wonderful person. I love you Jessica and I miss you.

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July, 20, 2004: Messages in the form of letters and tributes are posted within the Memorial Program from the July 16, 2004 "Ceremony to Honor the Life of Jessica Soto Perez"

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From Rezar Gera, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Syracuse, NY, July 21, 2004

Dear Jessica's family and friends,
Only today I leaned about this tragedy and I am in complete shock. I worked in the same lab with Jessica during her intership at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Syracuse, NY during the Summer of 2003. I cannot comprehend how could something so tragic happen to a great person like her. Please accept my deepest condolencies.
She will be living forever in our hearts and prayers.

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From Doris E. Fuentes Perez, August 23, 2004

HI MY NAME IS DORIS E. FUENTES PEREZ I AM JESSICA COUSIN I WILL START THIS
MESSAGE TO THANKS EVERYONE WHO HAD SEND THE CONDOLIENCE TO OUR FAMILY , AND
ALL THE PRAYERS BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED THEM SO BAD , IS HARD TO ACCEPT THIS
HUGE LOSS , MY COUSIN WAS SO BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE BUT, AS I TELL MY AUNT
LUCY AND ISRAEL AND RALITO SHE WAS A STAR, AND STARS BELONGS IN THE SKY WITH
GOD. EVERY NIGHT WHEN I SEE A STAR BRIGHTEN I CAN TELL THAT IS MY JESSICA
AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE NEXT TO US IN OUR HEART AND OUR MEMORIES. NEXT TO OUR
GOD TO PROTECT US AND GUIDE US TO LIVE SMILING , HELPING AND CLIMBING BIG
MOUNTAINS. AT NIGHT SHE IS MY SHINNY STAR AND IN THE DAY SHE IS MY BEAUTIFUL
RAINBOW .
I LOVE YOU JESSICA

HOLA MI NOMBRE ES DORIS E FUENTES PEREZ YO SOY LA PRIMA DE JESSICA . QUIERO
COMENZAR ESTE MENSAJE AGRADECIENDO A CADA UNO DE USTEDES QUE NOS HAN DADO SUS
CONDOLENCIAS Y ORACIONES PUES LAS NESECITAMOS EN SOPORTAR ESTAN GRAN PERDIDA
. MI PRIMA ERA BELLA INTERIOR Y EXTERIORMENTE PERO COMO LE DIGO A LUCY ,
ISRAEL Y RALITO ELLA ERA UNA ESTRELLA Y LAS ESTRELLAS PERTENECEN AL CIELO , EN
LAS NOCHES CUANDO MIRO AL CIELO Y VEO LA ESTRELLA QUE MAS BRILLA YO DIGO ESA ES
MI JESSICA , Y SIEMPRE ESTARA CON NOSOTROS CERCA DE NUESTRO CORAZON Y EN
NUESTRA MEMORIA CERCA DE DIOS PARA PROTEGERNOS Y GUIARNOS PARA VIVIR SIEMPRE CON
UNA SONRISA , AYUDANDO A LOS DEMAS Y SUBIENDO GRANDES MONTAÑAS . DE NOCHE ELLA
ES MY ESTRELLA QUE ME GUIA Y DURANTE EL DIA ELLA ES MI ARCO IRIS
TE QUIERO JESSICA ;

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