Teacher, Mentor, Friend

To my teacher, mentor and friend:

You've taught me almost everything I know about life and purpose. You've made me understand what it's like to believe in oneself even when no one else would. You've shown me how to carve my own destiny, walk my own path even when I needed to walk against the crowd. You've helped me define my own life. You've made me believe that I could soar like an eagle - alone ... but sufficient.

You've shown by the example of your own life what it means to lead a good life; you've helped me define goodness and honesty. You've held up the mirror to my own person so I may confront myself in all its ugliness, and you've shown me that beauty comingles and even stems from that. You've made me realise that every weakness is a strength and every strength a weakness. You've helped me understand myself and find peace in the person that I am and have become.

You've seen my weaknesses, you've witnessed my lowest points. You raised me and helped me stand on my feet again. You chided when needed, you listened when desired, you advised with illuminating clarity.

You've opened my mind, you've spurred my love for knowledge and learning. You've refined my intellect, you've built ideas. You've given me the confidence to walk among giants and to know I can stride like them. You've inspired me with your wisdom, you've roused me with your intellect.

You've cared for me as more than just a student, you've loved me as a friend. You've welcomed me into your life with open arms, you've made me a part of your family.

You've forewarned me about the ugliness of human nature yet given me hope that goodness still exists even if it were a dwindling light. And you've, by the example of your life as an intellectual, educator, teacher, mentor, and friend, shown me how that goodness can be passed on to others.

You've made me believe that I am a good person ...

I finally understand how the fight can continue ... And I will live my life as you have and hope my life and my little wisdom will inspire those whose lives I touch to carry on that fight.

Thank you Dr Yong ...