Dear Yale...

Dear Yale,

I was warned about Yale. Yale was, according to the press release, “notorious”. But I didn't know what they were “notorious” for.

Now I know. Yale is notorious for stealing your heart and teaching you how to love and appreciate one of the most eclectic mixes of students ever. Yale is notorious for giving you moments of laughter, where you can't help but laugh in spite of yourself. Yale is notorious for showing people that no matter how heavy things could get, there is always a lighter side to life.

Yale is a class I'd be hardpressed to forget, if only for the fact that I had the longest leash for them. Save for one time, I never gave any green slips to this class at all, which is no mean feat even if I'm admittedly lenient as is. Yale endears themselves to their teachers, as a class that looks out for each other and determined to make a huge impression on the entire Reedley family.

Needless to say, I believe they've succeeded in making their mark. Allow me to thank each and every student of this amazing class, for having been a significant part of my life here in Reedley.

To Xavi, thank you for never hesitating to be funny, even at your own expense. No matter how politically incorrect your humor might be, I respect that you have the ability to laugh at yourself.

To Chrissie, thank you just for being there. You have a way about you that just makes a difference in this class whenever you’re around.

To Jumbo, thank you for the fixation on rubik’s cubes and my student-teacher. You’re a gentle giant, but it’s undeniable that there’s a lot more to you than just what people see on the outside. Here’s hoping you find a better career than macho dancing though, because when you tried in class, you’d have to pay people to watch you. =P Seriously, you have a lot of things going for you. Keep on keeping on.

To MC, thank you for never hesitating to speak your mind when you have to. You may be silent and introverted, but when you break out of your shell, it’s always a treat to hear you speak your mind. You’re also an excellent dancer.

To Lee, thank you for your frankness. You’re intelligent, and you know that. You have the makings of a great debater in the future, so here’s hoping I see you lighting it up in debate competitions in the near future.

To Gaita, thank you for being wise beyond your years and an excellent singer… err… dancer. If I would have to ever turn to a student for advice on anything at all, you’d be the first one to cross my mind. There's nothing you can't do if you put your mind into it. but you knew that already.

To Paolo, thank you for being one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. The fact that you’re only in my class every other day yet you still excel tells me that you really should stop selling yourself short. You are gifted with a lot of blessings. Pay it forward for the world to see.

To Nicole, thank you for being the bright ray of sunshine that you are. You never fail to complete my day, whenever you greet me and tell me how hard you're working because you want to defy your own limits. I know your classmates like teasing you a lot, but know that I admire your determination to push yourself in everything you do. I believe in you.

P.S. Make Lee regret that he ever stopped liking you! ;)

To Glenn, thank you for the almost stereotypically Chinese sense of humor you impart on the class. You are living proof that Chinese people rock (Though Chinese girls rock harder, of course.).

To May Kim, thank you for never losing your smile even in the middle of a tough long test. You are a valuable asset to Yale, with how you manage to make this class just that more special.

To Brian, thank you for learning how to keep your temper in check. I walked into Yale being warned about you, but I never found any reason to believe them. You know that no matter how much they may doubt you, you are a great person, and it’s only a matter of time before everyone else begin to realize that.

To JY, thank you for your utmost confidence in your intelligence. I’m sure the class sees it the same way. ;)

To Owen, thank you for being the luckiest shotgunner I’ve ever met, and for your ability to not take yourself too seriously. I admire your tenacity in studying, no matter how difficult the odds may seem against you. I'm proud of the progress you've made under me.

To Jonathan, thank you for being the “hotter” version of Nikko. That scene made me laugh, and I also like the fact that you have a genuine interest in magic.

To Patrick, thank you for the weird questions and the like. It never fails to make me chuckle. Also, thank you for showing me why I believe high school romance may be the cheesiest of romances, but they’re also the most “awwww”-inducing.

To Mishka, thank you for being a brutally honest and opinionated student. I truly respect your ability to express yourself even if other people may not agree with your views. Don’t ever let anyone silence you when you feel that you are right.

To Jun, thank you for proving to me that you really can work hard when you have to. People may second guess you, but I believe that the power to make it big lies in your hands and in your hands alone.

To Mae Villanueva, thank you for your can-do attitude. While others have questioned your capabilities and assets, you continue to prove them wrong every step of the way. You are a gifted student, and a hopeless romantic at heart. The perfect combination for a wonderful human being, in my humble opinion.

To Nikko, thank you for being the Rainbow Man. Your infectious laughter never fails to make us smile as well, and here’s hoping that you’d never overlook being a teacher someday. If you ever end up teaching, nobody would be prouder of you than I.

And lastly, to the fake Kim Tae Hyun, err, Dennis, thank you for proving to me that nothing is impossible. From learning to debate to being one of the best English students in my class despite having had difficulties with the language at first, to all the other achievements you have merited, I hold you in high esteem. May the fire of Philosophical thought continue to blaze in you, and may you continue on your insatiable journey for knowledge and self-understanding.

P.S. I’ll be the first in line to kick your @$$ if Reedley doesn’t have a school fair next year. Then again, I'm confident you'll find a way. =D

When I was interviewed during my application by the headmaster, he told me that he didn't think I had what it takes to teach here in Reedley. I could've simply taken that in stride and agreed, but I stood my ground and told him that with all due respects, I felt that I could hack it. He appreciated my willingness to disagree, and gave me a chance.

Was there ever a moment where I regretted standing my ground and telling Mr. Castro what I thought? No, I don't think so. Especially not when I'm teaching a class like Yale: a class I will never forget,

Thank you, Yale. I can never thank you enough for giving me the honor of having been your English teacher.


Always,

Mr. Fabie