in memoriam
godspeed, tito
Alberto “Tito” Mejia October 15, 1984—April 9, 2010 In mid-February of each year, Team Quest begins to assemble a list of potential interns for the upcoming summer. This is always a fun task, as we have been extraordinarily well served by scores of outstanding interns, whose ranks included Edward Barsamian, Olivia Palermo, J.B. Glass, and Asia Baker in the summer of 2003. I interviewed the fifth member of “Summer 2003,” Alberto (Tito) Mejia, earlier that March, when he was home on spring break, and offered him the job on the spot. He’d engaged me for more than an hour with his mirthful yet genuine curiosity, and I was fully charmed by his potential. That summer my instincts proved correct, as Tito never let down our side. Mind you, he was not the first person into the office each morning but…his natural style and kind manner rubbed off well on his fellow interns, and indeed on our entire staff. He was quickly assimilated into the Quest family, and we were proud to call him one of our own. Tragically, three weeks ago, Tito drowned while on vacation in Antigua. Tito’s wonderful family, numerous friends, and admiring colleagues all mourn and miss his inherent optimism and enormous appetite for life. Lost to all of us, at a far too young twenty-five years old, I am reminded of that sobering verse of Yeats: “Soldier, scholar, horseman, he As’ twere all life’s epitome What made us dream that he could comb grey hair?” Godspeed, Tito; your memory stands tall. — grateful pub “I will always remember the summer of 2003 and the great times we had while working at Quest. Tito was such valuable part of our little clan, adding humor and lightheartedness to everything we did. He was a wonderful co-intern and friend, and I feel lucky to have been a part of Quest while he was there. We will miss you, Tito.” —Asia Baker “Tito, interning with you the summer before college was truly one of my favorite times. Your humor, good spirits, and kindness will be missed very much.” —J.B. Glass “That was such a fun summer and you were such an invaluable part of it, Tito! Your smile could light up a room and your laugh always made me laugh too. You will always have a special place in my heart Tito. xx.” —Elizabeth Meigher, Q Editor
52 QUEST