A year, so fast?

I believe, if I timed this right, this day is the one year mark since we (the previous seniors) received kind and supporting words from our friends. Today, is the day that I pay back those kind words, with a few of my own. I hope I can fully express myself here; words aren't really my strong suit.

To all of those that graduated today, congratulations. I apologize for not attending the ceremonies, and I hope you guys are having fun right now at ASAN. Graduation is one of those special things that you share with family and fellow grads, it wouldn't feel right for me to intrude on that. But that doesn't mean I can't give you my wishes, right?

Before writing this note, I made a list of the people that I would congratulate. Sadly, that list isn't very long. In fact, it's probably not even much of a list. xD. But what matters isn't how long the list is, but what I have to say to these people. So I decided to write this anyways.

Thank you for your cheerfulness, excitement, and friendliness. I have learned much from being around you, many life lessons including how to be a better person. Your assertive nature is nice and refreshing compared to others, and I'm extremely glad you're able to be true to yourself even when others try to conform you. Your permeating confidence is something that I lack and envy, but luckily I still have time to learn that from you? :D. I was excited to hear that you'll be joining us here and not leaving off to some distant place, seeing people leave is difficult regardless of what my exterior actions might suggest. I never had a chance to thank you for the amazing card that you made me that one day at Yue's house, it was silly in a more-than-ordinary way and I appreciate that. And Bubble Island was always more more fun when you were there, imbued with your charismatic nature and never ending energy. Congratulations to you on finishing high school, but also welcome to UM. I can say from experience, you'll have fun here.

Thank you for your happiness, optimism, and silliness. I've mentioned this before, but you bring smiles to everyone's faces; something that not just anyone can accomplish. You mentioned last year in your note about how we always tried to invite you to our random get-togethers. I can tell you the exact reason why: because we valued your friendship and your unbelievable ability to make us somehow feel significant in this world. You always saw the best in people, which is a trait that all genuinely great people have in common. I hope that I was able to help you even half as much as you have helped me. You are an inspiration, and definitely someone I care about. We only had a few deep conversations, but I'm glad that I even had those opportunities to pick your mind. You might not believe it yourself, but your wisdom quite precedes mine, it's astonishing that you even think otherwise. Like the previous person, you'll also be joining our small family next year. Yayness. Welcome to the league of the Alumni, you'll fit right in. Oh, and Congratulations once again.

Thank you for your time, knowledge, and patience. Unlike the previous two, sadly, you won't be with us during the school year. I guess because of this, I will miss you. Instead of welcoming you, this will be more of a good luck note. I'm not too worried though, I know you won't be alone over there. But regardless, best of luck in your endeavors and have fun (though I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that). Work with my analogy here but I find it amazing how your mind is like a cave. It is vast and filled with incredible amounts of insight, but the cave-like part is that you're always willing to open your mind up to new things. You mentioned how much your old philosophies have changed because of us, but I don't think that's true; If anything it was because of you and your willingness to question things and see past what you already know. We didn't accept you into our lives, you accepted us. This past year has been less than kind, but I'd be up for changing that if you are. But there's always more time to discuss that during the summer. For now, Congratulations on graduating.

I think that's how far my list went. Sad, no? But I have said what I wanted to say and I hope I haven't offended anyone unintentionally.

This past year, my two little "brothers" (Tom and Zinan, if you know them) also graduated [congrats]. Humorously, they were both the valedictorian of their schools and in their speech they talked about the constants in life. Being 2010, 10 = X in roman numerals, it's kind of fitting to mention variables and constants. So I repeat back to you guys what I heard from them. Life will throw things your way, some are liked and some are not. But remember the constants in your life, both the people that support you and the passions that drive you. These are the things that you should keep dear in your heart; and for me, you guys are those constants.

Go out and explore, as Ellie from Up would say, "adventure is out there." =)

Best of luck,
Han