Answer:
The first thought the colleagues had was how they could benefit from the empty position.
Explanation:
The colleagues were together in a room when the discussion was interrupted to announce Ivan's death and the thought the colleagues had was about the changes that could happen among them and the benefits.
Student is to school
Person is to family
It is foreshadowed that Susan is at a zenith, a highpoint in her life. This, however seems to be the last highpoint that she will ever be at, insinuating that the rest of her life was much more depressing and less exciting.
