Nokisum

It has been some months now and I have been getting nothing but writer’s block to get my thoughts out. I’m sorry it took so long everyone, but I honestly didn’t know what or how to share my thoughts on Matt’s passing.

I am now ready to talk.

At the beginning of 2011, I finally transferred to the main campus of my local community college. As much as I was excited, I was nervous. I honestly didn’t know who I would meet and what groups I would fit into. My first thought was to get through the first two weeks of classes and hopefully find a club to join that will fit my interest. Thankfully, there was both an anime and video game club. Upon attending the anime club, it was there I met Matt for the first time. After a couple of weeks, we started having small to large conversations about video games, music, movies, and all various types of geek topics. Not a single conversation was boring with Matt, as it would end on good terms and with hilarious outcomes.

It was early 2013 when I stumbled upon a challenge. The website I wanted to join and kickstart my journalism career, 1up.com, was shutting down and being bought by another company. I was beating and berating myself, I had doubts, and I was facing so many decisions about what I wanted to do for a career choice. When the first AwesomeCon happened, I attended the event with Matt, Denise, and other friends to see what it’s like to have a comic-con in downtown Washington D.C. for the first time. We attended a variety of panels, met guests, and saw what’s in store for us in the dealer’s hall. After the convention, that’s when it hit me and I shared with the group my craziest idea: I wanted to start my own publishing company.

For the past eight years, Teh Lunchbox Publications has been growing slowly and steady. It started off as a small group of friends turned business associates. In due time, we have hit a variety of company goals such as starting the website, becoming a Twitch Affiliated channel, and growing a fanbase/support group. Matt paved the way for the company via social media as he oversaw starting and updating our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram sites. Without his hard work, we would not have the amount of support to this day.

Matt, I’ll never forget you. I am forever grateful that you were my brother, friend, and co-worker.

Thank you for everything.