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π 5 years ago, I bid farewell to Saints...
On the younger students' positive influence, 3 themes come to mind:
David Quan ζδΈζ
December 21, 2024
5 years ago, I bid farewell to Saints. Reflecting amidst this formative period, I am amazed by how younger students role modelled qualities I still aspire to develop.
On their positive influence, 3 themes come to mind:
1. First, their passion and resilience for holistic personal developments.
I smile when thinking about the handball warriors who return day after day, knowing that victory (i.e. a trip to the School Captains' office for treats, and bragging rights) is unlikely, but worth competing for. The hesitant swimmers who show up to every house trial, gradually overcoming their fears. The public speaker who battled stuttering, yet practiced speeches in front of the mirror, moving his classmates to applaud. The loyal friend who visited his unwell mate in hospital, bringing stories, friendship, and even homework!
They reveal the joys of learning, how setbacks are more about growth opportunities than immediate results.
Thank you, boys! Your 186-page farewell book is one of if not my most meaningful gift.
2. Second, their personalised kindness that forges relationships for community.
I feel heartened reflecting upon the international students who spent days crafting a welcome card in their new classmate's native language. The empathetic teammates who intuited their friend needed support after losing a family member. The House Vice-Captain who went above-and-beyond to make conversations with younger years. The morning greeter who made it their mission to acknowledge every groundskeeper by name with a smile, ensuring no one is unseen in our community.
They demonstrate how personalized acts of kindness can transform one's day (if not life).
Thank you, boys! Your 186-page farewell book is one of if not my most meaningful gift.
3. Third, their compassion and courage for collaborative and creative Community Service.
I am inspired by young entrepreneurs passionately ideating social enterprises to address community challenges. The student baristas running their coffee stall, learning business skills while raising funds for worthy causes. The peer mentors who devoted breaks teaching younger students. The community connectors who bridged generations, sharing stories with elderly alumni at events and wider community members through nonprofits.
They model why seeing the best in, of, and for others, before taking actions for a higher purpose, benefit us all.
Thank you, boys! Your 186-page farewell book is one of if not my most meaningful gift.
Today, when navigating unknowns, failures, fears, these memories are not merely nostalgia, while the long-standing interactions are not just connections. More precious, they serve as a source of hope β testifying to the transformative powers of education, strengths of relationships, and values of community service to aspire toward.
At that assembly, I was blessed to receive a most meaningful 186-page handwritten farewell book. In 2019, I carried this gift to my University of Cambridge Education interviews; in 2024, now still present my room, each message / moment / memento uplifts me.
It is only fitting, then, that I not only proudly defend my handball record in the Junior School, but also, more importantly, uphold my promises from 2019:
"Have the courage to come up and say hello... because I will never forget you, and there would be nothing more meaningful for me than to catch up with you 5, 10 or 20 years later to learn about how you are making our world a better place!"
Strong and Lovely, Saints young men, Pro Deo et Patria.
Sincerely,
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