A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When I started realizing that it was time to leave for Korea soon, you have no idea how excited I was. I was so ready to leave and live a new life in Korea because it’s something I’ve always wanted. However, I’ve been slowly realizing that maybe I’m not ready yet.

Growing up in this school and only knowing people from ICS, I’ve grown so used to only being with these people and not realizing how much I actually appreciate them. After bawling my eyes out yesterday though, everything suddenly hit. I finally felt the reality and how special these past 12 years were. I realized how thankful I am to every one of you and even to those who already left, and I realized how much I’ll miss simply being in the classroom and laughing about the most shallow things.

Out of all the things, I’ll miss the times when we would go out of our classroom and just stay in our special corner, like the batcave. I feel like the simplest things are the most special to me because I became so used to them in my life that now that I will be leaving to a whole different country, I feel like I will lose a huge part of my life. But you know what? It doesn't have to be that way. You will always have a special place in my heart, and I will never forget all that you've done for me, whether you know it or not.

Thank you to those who stayed by me and put up with my mood swings, and thank you to those who were constant even though we grew apart. Thank you to those who reached out so that we could become closer, and thank you to those who encouraged me when I least expected it. Thank you to those who always made me laugh even on the most stressful days, and thank you for showing me that it's okay to show my emotions. I really appreciate all of you, and no matter what we've been through, believe it or not, you've all been a memorable part of my life.

Dear Batch 2022, as we move on to the next chapter of our lives, let us remember to have confidence in ourselves. As talented as we are, we constantly struggle with the greed to be at the top, proving to others that we are worthy. What's the point? Let us strive to be the best version of ourselves and no one else. There is no need to compare because as someone who has led the class in so many different activities, I can confidently say that our unique points come together to create the best synergy and the most admirable outputs that I’m pretty sure even other batches and teachers can agree on. We have successfully pulled off A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Four Sisters and a Wedding, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and even the Arnis performance that got us first place. You all have something special to contribute, and I hope that you never lose that. Moreover, do not be afraid to fall. It's okay to make mistakes, and it's okay to be sad. It's okay to be confused, and it's okay to lose your path. These experiences shaped us to become who we are right now, and we should not be ashamed of the process. What happened happened, and it's in the past. Learn from it, and move forward.

I’m so excited to see what your future holds, and I'm certain that whatever obstacles life throws at you, you'll overcome it and succeed in whatever way God has planned for you. You're all so hardworking, and even though I may not agree with this next one oftentimes, you're all caring people and the best friends that I could ever ask for (ugh).

I may not show a lot of my inner feelings. Even if I try, it may come off as the exact opposite of what I want to show, but I really do appreciate you and will miss all of you (If you break our Snapchat streaks, I'm never coming back).

bYe 👋