Last week, I paid a visit to my alma mater in Costa Rica.  I graduated from UWCCR in May 2008 and hadn’t been back since.  I’ve only caught up with one of my classmates from those days, in real life, and none of my first years (though I ALMOST had one of each come up to Toronto next week).  In fact, most anyone I would have gone to school with would have been gone.  In short, ties had been all but severed completely.  Still, I decided to go down and roam the old stomping grounds and couldn’t have had a better time.  So here’s my letter to the phenomenal folks who made it so.

Dear UWCCR as of February 2010,

You guys are, quite simply, awesome.  I’d like to thank you, first and foremost, for making me feel welcome in the place that I once called home.  Sure, I was there first, but from what I gathered during my time there, my generation didn’t necessarily make the adjustment particularly easy for some of you; in relation to my first years (your second years).  So for that, I apologise, and am humbled that you found it in your hearts to greet me with smiles, hugs and the warmth of familiarity.  As some of you said upon introduction, you “felt like you already knew [me]” and, bizarre as it was, I couldn’t have felt more well received.

During my stay, many of you asked me why I bothered to come back when all my friends had left (with the exceptions of Sasha, Michele and the recently arrived Gaby).  The answer is: I have no idea.  Perhaps it was the intrigue and curiosity about some of the current second years that I’d heard about/glimpsed on Facebook/what-have-you.  Maybe it was how badly I wanted to get out of ice-cold Toronto, however briefly.  Or perhaps I wanted to come down and check on how my first successor, Gaby, was handling the same lifestyle I was in almost four years ago.  It could have even been how unbelievably cheap tickets were.  In retrospect, I believe it was a combination of the four.  And it was incredibly strange at first.  It was like watching your favourite TV show except all the actors were different.

Rather, the characters were different.

And while, in real life television that usually sucks, I was okay this.  In fact, I don’t think it could have worked out better.  There’s something comforting in meeting the hands which hold the immediate future of something/someplace you hold near and dear to your heart (and let’s face it, the ONLY future in the UWCCR time warp is the immediate one).  It was only a week and I certainly didn’t get to meet all of you but I’m pretty content with the way you guys are treating the old spot.

Moreover, as much as I loved my first years, I don’t regret not coming to visit them last year.  Had I come for their graduation, that would have only added to the distraction from what that time is really about: saying goodbye.  I would hate to think that I took away from those precious moments that many of my first years and zero years held so dear.  Additionally, even if I’d come at any other time of year, I would have still been a distraction in which both my zero years and I would suffer.  Had I not come when I did, I would have never gotten the chance to meet you (current second years) for the fantastic individuals and amazing personalities that you are.  You would have been nothing more than extensions of my first years and you don’t deserve that; on top of the inter-generational comparisons already being made.  Naima was Naima, not Sophie’s first year; Regina was Regina, not Elba’s first year; etc.

So to the current second years, I wish you strength of mind and determination of will for your upcoming IB exams.  You certainly seem to be a far more studious bunch than I remember my group being and the way has already been paved for you.  It can be done and I have faith you will do it too.  And hey, even if you don’t do well on the IB (a subjective term, altogether), I promise you, it doesn’t matter.  You’re not a score, you’re people.  The incredible kind that win UWC scholarships and create UWC experiences.  Whatever your IB score, life soldiers on and so must you.

To the currect first years, I love you kids.  You don’t even understand how happy you guys make me.  I didn’t get to meet all of you nor did I get to hang out with many of you but I see such bright hope for you all.  I urge you to not waste your time or get into trouble but don’t let the experience slip through your fingers.  Love your second years.  Stay up til the wee hours of morning talking about whatever.  Don’t hold back that which you’re most passionate about, even if it’s not an IB subject.  Befriend the tias.  You have the rest of your lives to live for your responsibilities so take this short time to live for your opportunities.

To my teachers who still remain, you guys are too cool.  Thanks for sticking around (especially you, Carey).  I’m especially proud of you, Quique, for “graduating” from the IB yourself.  No lie, your story reminds me of my own IB experience.  Structurally, even I can tell that the school’s not quite perfect, but it’s getting there.  Also, something needs to be done about that internet so hold Walter accountable.

Thanks for coming out to my show, those of you who did.  I make no excuses but I hope the little set I put together could show you a little bit of why I used to be “World Famous”.  I encourage you all to live up to your passdowns and continue to to develop your character to be the boldest you can be.  The real world will certainly test it.  Have a happy UWC and until our passport stamps match up again, dance a little.

Never goodbye,

Love,
Paul Chin (Formerly Famous)