To the Class of 2019..

When we know what we got
What right do we have to deem who is worthy of love?
Family - not always decreed by heritage
But declared by commitment.
A crossing of borders
To make refuge in this soil
God song stitching our souls together
This connection as exodus
From lands that sought to oppress our joy;
Sing freedom
Sing, celebration of being, a holy cypher
Sing, show me your scars and I won't walk away
Sing, how we find Heaven in our shared hereness
Sing, this table is for us
And if us is all we got
The fist beating in our chest
Is revolution in itself..
When we wear heart that is not our own
We realize ourselves whole.

You hold a special place in my heart. Long story short.. I probably wouldn't have decided to be a teacher without you. The more I think about it, I realize that I gravitated towards all this because you helped me remember that I was worth something, just like so many people who I've met in this over the years. I cherish every relationship I build, but this class is a little different because our worlds collided at an interesting time in my life, one of transition where I was trying to figure things out again; it just felt right. I'm usually not one to base decisions off of feelings, but I believe God made it very clear to me here. His timing and His purpose met me at such a pivotal time..

People often talk about trying to "make a difference" or "give back;" I resist those notions. And since I began my work with students, one of my main rules is to never call you kids. I prefer to view you as who you are becoming, and never less than. I am who I am today because of you, and those who came before you, and those who come after. Understand, you could never disappoint me or let me know. You are my joy. You taught me how to wear a heart that is not my own; to love much and to love well. And I am learning every single day. You all inspire me more than you know. You have given me so much more than I could give you.

So what do I really have to offer? All I got is myself and all I've tried to do is give my all. After love, I've only wanted to be two things: consistent and real. I hope I did well. We've seen each other through it all right? As much as I've wanted to give you my best all the time, you've also seen me when I was a mess; I have felt the burden of both. I can't count all the nights when I stayed up wondering if I did right or did enough. I never take credit for any success, but take responsibility when we fall short. I know the onus is not all on me, but maybe I just care too much.

You don't really get to choose what coaches and teachers you have, for the most part. You kinda just have to deal with who's there. But for some reason you made space for me. For some reason you listened. For some reason you trusted me.  For some reason you adopted me as your freakin' Uncle (I still need an explanation!). For some reason you cared for me and loved me. I am eternally grateful. You are some of the coolest people in the world. You all deserve the world and I'm excited to see you take hold of it.

I love what I get to do because when I step onto the campus, I feel like I'm walking into a home. This school is a love anthem in 2,400 parts. You made me look forward to coming to "work" (not too many people I would get up so dang early for.. even if I was late sometimes..). You make my days. You make it all worth it. But I've found time to be the nemesis I could never keep up with. This is why graduation is always such a bittersweet time for me. You don't know all the work I needed to do to prepare my soul! It's the hardest part of all this; I feel like hundreds of pieces of my heart are walking away from me. I try to hold precious every little bit that I can. The selfish part of me wants to keep you present in my life forever, but of course the rest of the world needs to experience your greatness. I am sure that you will bless others, as you have blessed me. As you fly, know that I am here for you.

So to all the laughs and a few tears.. to boba and cookies and donuts and popsicles and all the foods.. to Thursday nights and Friday nights and Monday nights and Saturdays.. to singing Hamilton and just singing.. to random pictures.. to all the prayers.. to hope and joy.. to all your radiance.. to everything we share.. to many firsts and making history.. to the legacy you left and the one you will continue to build.. to the building of families in unexpected places.. to the lifetime of memories and to many more.. to always celebrating one another.. you have helped make me whole. I thank God for all of it, and for all of you. Thank you for you, and for making these some of the best times of my life; I hope you remember them as some of the best times of yours.

3000,
Eric Trieu/Coach Trieu/Mr. Trieu/Uncle Eric

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