Vassar Reflections

My trip to New York has been a truly enriching one, one that far surpassed my expectations.

I had planned this trip as a personal retreat, a time to be refreshed and rejuvenated, so that I will have the strength of will and clarity of mind to persevere on this difficult path which I have chosen.

Upon reflection, it is the people who made all the difference.

Meeting like-minded people from all walks of life from all over the world whose passion in life is to use the medium of dramatic arts not merely for personal glory or gain, but to transform lives and impact social change - it was a most unique and memorable experience for me.

For a long while, living in a materialistic and conformist society whereby one's value is judged solely by one's wealth and social position, I had thought I was the only idealistic fool around. Imagine my delight when I find that I am not alone on this quest. There are still many such 'crazy' people out there. What a relief!

Moreover, many of them are veterans in the artistic, education, social work & health care fields and yet their 'fire' is still going strong after years 'in the trenches'. It is inspiring enough just to be amongst them.


Another thing that struck me was how people in the U.S. who are in their 50s and even 60s live their lives with such gusto that would make younger people like me feel ashamed. Somehow Asians seem to age faster.

I was especially moved by the 'elderly' singers & musicians in the jazz pub performance who played with such passion, joy and abandon as if nothing in the world mattered to them except their music. As I see them jamming their hearts out on stage, I suddenly thought of one of my uncles who used to be a band musician in his younger days. He has not touched the drums for a long, long time.

God's grace and wisdom is unfathomable. It is no coincidence that I was there but His hand had guided me there, to connect with this special community of people. Hearing one another's deeply personal stories and sharing our life experiences has brought us so close in so short a time. The experience has been both healing and affirming. It is almost painful to have to say good-bye.

I never liked good-byes. Instead I will end with this favourite quote of mine. I am sure we will meet one another again some day. Till then,

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Live the life you've imagined.

~ by Henry David Thoreau