Every Monday afternoon, I volunteer to tutor a grade 6 student, Nico (not his real name). I often start the lesson with a cheerful hello and a usual did-you-do-anything-fun-last-weekend. Most of the time, Nico would appear with his new LEGO mini-figure. He would eagerly tell me about every single little detail of the mini-figure. Seeing that I liked it, he would always proceed to parade his full squad. Then, I would be facing the tough question of picking the best one.
When I think about people who have made a difference in my life, my high school computer science teacher Mr. Knowles is always on the list. To this day, I still vividly remember the way Mr. Knowles strolled down the school hallway after the lunch break. I always saw him come around the corner wearing his scarf regardless of the season. He was always walking down the hallway, nodding his head, and greeting everyone on the left and right. When he saw me, he would open his arm and say, “Edward!” In those moments, I felt his unwavering belief that I could accomplish anything.
How are you doing? How have you been? Did you have a bad day? Are you being harsh to yourself again? I am sure that you have done your best. I hope that everything will be okay. You have been kind to other people. So please be kind to yourself.
My elementary school had a radio club. It had an invitation-only membership. When I was asked to join in Grade 4, I was ecstatic. I was ready to be a special agent using high-tech equipment to find the bad guy.