Father and mother of faith. Warriors of the Gospel. From the good and the bad, they have been through it all for their ministries, sacrificing for others. But, one thing that keeps them strong in true happiness, is their love for God, which, in turn, continuously sprouts their love for each other and for me every day. Indeed, this is one of the many reasons why they have been and continue to be my amazing role models. And, I am always thankful to have such wonderful parents in my life.
My parents have been the foundation in which my life has been built. My father gave me the love for the arts and taught me how to dream. My mother constantly shows me the importance of diligence and most important of all gave me the passion and appreciation for great food! My parents' sense of duty and responsibility always amazes me. Although as a son it pains me to see their constant sacrifices, as an individual the mental and physical strength they display garners my utmost respect. As I begin building my life, I am assured that the pillars they have instilled in me will hold steadfast.
I share a special story with each of my girls and it's these moments that has helped bring me to where I am today. I am truly blessed to have them in my life and love them so dearly.
I share a special story with each of my girls and it's these moments that has helped bring me to where I am today. I am truly blessed to have them in my life and love them so dearly.
1C. First day at Stuy. It was there, in homeroom, we met for the first time and we knew it would be special. And, it sure was! It's already been close to 20 years since that very day, and our friendship has blossomed (through our dynamic duo adventures) to a beautiful sisterhood. Jjungs has been there for me through everything and always goes out of her way for me. An answer to my prayer and my partner-in-crime, she is more than a sister I could've ever wished for (even if she rolls her boogers on my arms sometimes.) Sista for life.
Crazy. This word perfectly describes us. Funny thing...church and music started it all. It's there where we connected through our deep passions and everything else is history! We've become the bestest of friends and she is my soul sister. We've shared many moments together...ups and downs (of course, many that were just plain CRAZY), but all meaningful in their own special way. Just to name a few...this girl drove up to Bing at 2am from just an "I'm so heartbroken" phone call from me. And, if we can sing into our hairbrushes and dance with no care in the world, why not? She's my Jjoy, my Geejib for life, who just makes me wanna have some fun!
Xena and Gabrielle. We knew of each other, but it was the Stuy cafeteria where we officially met. We've come very far since then. Together we went up against warlords of the "jungle", the notorious alarm clock and the silly heartbreaks...to the gods of crushes, Hinman, Underground, the Ridge, Target and Walmart. I've cried on her shoulder, laughed away at our funny conversations, and definitely fattened up, eating her amazing mashed potatoes. College would not have been the same without this girl. Heck, life would not be the same without this girl. She's my Roomie for Life.
Transfer. It was one of her first days as a new transfer. Sophomore year of high school. I guess it was her loving kindness that emanated from her; I went up to her and introduced myself. And so happy I did! Throughout high school, our constant letters about anything and everything, our "study" sessions (*ahem* PolyKing) brought us closer together. Even after high school, though we didn't see each other as often as we would've liked, we stayed close. She goes the extra mile for me and I know she always has my back (and if you know the Yu Sisters, you know they ALWAYS have your back). That's why I love her... she's my Jennay.
Intro to Biology. Science truly does wonders! We met in Bing through Biology 114 and it surely helped in the beginnings of a new friendship. KCF, KASA, amazing ddukboki dinners, care packages and 1:1 girl talks were blissful times that made our "bond" stronger. A lot has changed since then. One being that our careers have strayed a bit away from our original scientific roots. But, one thing that hasn't changed is our friendship. Not even distance can be a stumbling block to that. She's my DBKgirl forever.
Sibbie love at first sight. (Well...it was more like Sibbie's Ex love at first sight. LOL.) Sejin and I were meant to be Little Sib and Big Sib. We didn't know until later, but we both had requested each other as Sibs for both KCF and KASA--a double blessing! We shared laughter, tears, guy rants/raves and even prayers together that have strengthened our relationship. And now, no one can come between our Sibbie love. She'll always be my Little. *Cue music. Mariah Carey's Always Be My Baby.*
A miracle. That's exactly why she can't physically be in the bridal party. She's having a baby (around the big day)! But, she still is my bridesmaid at heart. We met through a mutual friend during college and partied the nights away! Worldcup anyone? haha. We've come a long way but have stayed great friends ever since. She'll be missed dearly during the wedding preparations but I pray and wish for the very best during this blessed time in her life. My Xtina for life.
Stranger, Arch Rival, Role Model..... My Brother. No other person has played such a significant role in shaping my life. From all the times that required the phrase "don't tell mom" to being the guinea pig in life, he taught me what I needed to do and not.
Like rabid hyenas we used to fight for scraps of food. A second brother I was lucky to have, maybe not by blood but in every sense of the word. From posing like pop idols to messing around with turntables, recording nonsense (S_ _ _ _ _ Boy), and the countless nights of dunk contests (8 foot rim) and buzzer beaters, my childhood wouldn't have been the same without him.
It all started with the phrase "I have a little brother your age." A dagger through the heart, a small speed bump to my MACK game, but all forgiven as it was the beginning of a wonderful bromance. Through all the teenage nonsense, he has always stayed a constant, never letting me stray too far. To him I am grateful for always keeping me dreaming, and showing me that hard work and dedication can really make them come true.
He swears he didn't stalk me, but every classroom I walked into he was there! It must have been fate as I would never have survived the mean streets of 23rd and Lex. He may be the worst teacher of the Chinese language (I still can order only 4 of anything), but he is great at being a brother and friend. From Chinatown to Club Show, he showed this kid from the burbs, the NYC ropes.
March 19th 1980. Maybe it's a Pisces thing, but instantly he reminded me of my brother. From his random witty remarks, to his UBER competitiveness in COD, my childhood memories came rushing back. If not for the constant interrogations and threats of when I would propose, November 7th 2015 may never be happening.
A man of strong words and steadfast beliefs. His moral compass always points north. Through the years I have enjoyed watching him start his family, and can only admire his dedication to his wife and daughter. Amongst friends, he is a true role model, and as I look to build a family of my own, I have a great blueprint to follow.
My very first friend. My heart breaks every time I think of what our adult lives should be. We should have partied together through our twenties, and now started families of our own. The great plans we made before our paths split, me to college and he to the Army. I can never forget that day when I heard of the incident, when one of our dreams was extinguished. I will forever hold him dear to my heart and only wish him great health and happiness.