From Last Name to First Name

To my beloved Civics Class

In fact, I've only had 2 civics classes and you're the only one I saw through for two years. It shows how long I've actually been in TJ!

But despite the short stay, there are so many memories and so many moments to remember by, and the best often came from you guys. You've given me so much to cherish ... and so much to miss when I leave even though I've not met all of you for some months now. And at this point I should apologise for not having seen you guys for a while and for missing all those birthday celebrations. I've just had a very hectic and difficult year (in fact 2 years!). But it was really good seeing all of you again last night. Thanks so much for coming and I truly enjoyed myself (apart from the headache resulting from too much midnight LAN gaming!)

Thanks for the gift; it's among the most treasured and valuable I must say. To me, something simple as words can mean more than any material thing you can give. Thank you so much. It's reminded me of the petition you guys wrote at the end of the first year. That was really moving I must say. Reading the postcards led me to recall the moments we shared in those two years. Indeed, we did a lot of crazy things and Amos (wow!!!) seems to be able to recollect most of them. Even Yanzhang remembers some of the things we did as a class! But seriously, it was moving to read what all of you have written, and to remember along with the words the things we did together. I miss those times and I think those two years were the very best years I had in the school; there were also among the very best years of my life - and it's because of all of you. Even in these past 3 years without you guys in school, I constantly remember you guys fondly.

Time passes by quickly. It's cliche but very real. Some of you will be graduating soon, others have just begun their next phase of learning. I too am embarking on my next phase. I know the anxiety involved in moving into another stage of life but it's a necessary emotion. Change is necessary so we can grow. I know all of you will lead your lives well and will live fulfilling lives (because I taught you to!). Remember that you only live once, don't throw it away. Don't live a life of regret, don't waste the opportunities that have been given to you. Live so that when you die, you'll be smiling but those around you would be weeping.

So here is where the road divides. I'm not sure what the future holds for me and I'm unsure if I'll ever come back (but it's a high probability in all honesty!). Through time all of you have been a friend and a younger sibling to me but time is now the enemy and I wish I didn't have to say goodbye. But I know that life often takes us on different paths and as we chase the dreams we're after, remember that we are bound by those precious moments we shared in those two years. And memories will be our souvenirs.

I just want you guys to know that all of you mean a lot to me and I love you guys very much. You've helped me in ways you'll never begin to understand. I hope I was able to do the same for you.

So this is goodbye. I'll miss you guys dearly.