Nevertheless, after having to abruptly leave Thailand to come back to the U.S. and care for my sick parents, the Universe shifted this way and brought me here. To you. As your teacher, and for many, your mentor and sounding board. In the most unsuspecting ways, you’ve all changed my life professionally and personally in every way. In these few months we've had together, I've tried to give you everything I have in me as a writer and as a teacher. I didn’t do it just to educate you academically, but personally, socially and mentally as well.
I’m not sure I accomplished all that I could. The gods know I tried. But I don’t dwell on shortcomings. Everything in THIS life happens exactly when and how it’s supposed to. I’m humble enough not to need acknowledgement for my deeds. Instead, “the proof will be in the pudding.” That means, one day, you’ll write something or read something or hear something that makes you say, “I remember my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., taught me that” or “my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., drove me CRAZY with that all the time, twin!”
Nevertheless, this has been one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences of my life! The lessons I’ve learned from the countless personalities I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to learn, has been extraordinarily enlightening. I would be remiss if I didn’t let each of you know that I was always watching. If we never said more than two words to each other, or conversed incessantly, I know you; I saw you; I heard you, I enjoyed you, and most importantly, I uplifted you and listened to you when you had a light bulb moment. No student I had went unnoticed in my classroom or in my heart.
Although it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s inevitable—we must. So, as you move forward in your lives, and others, to the next grade for your life, always educate yourselves about something. Remind yourselves of things you know. Educate yourselves on things you don’t know and always go toward what’s challenging. Be teachable. But no matter what you do, as I’ve done in my life, do it without abandon, without fear, without hesitation. A Higher Power is always watching. Question everything and keep forgiveness close. Own you. And never forget, Live What You Love! I Do! ™
—ms. d.
My tag used to be: I write for the very reason I breathe. Now, it's I write for the very reason I breath, and knowledge is my inhale, teaching is my exhale.
Until we meet again or not, be balanced. ‘Ase!