Jane,
I always thought that I’d reach out to you. But never have I imagined I would write to you like this.
I met you two years ago in the Arts and Humanities class. Sitting on the other side of the computer lab, you had your hair in a crown braid. You carry a unique sense of elegance—not the “distant beauty” type that pushes people away, but the aura that exudes warmth and kindness.
“Oh, I want to be friends with her,” I thought. You might laugh when you see this. But that was my honest reaction.
As a transfer student just figuring things out on campus, I was too shy to approach you. But I am always so grateful to have known you as a kindred spirit that shares our love for music and education. I always knew that I wanted to work with you. And we did.
Our first collab was in the Arts and Humanities class. The professor placed us in groups and asked us to create something artistic based on our expertise. Of course, we were both placed with musicians. I wrote about it in another blog post a while back. I remember that day. A switch turned on in my mind. I decided to run to my room to get my violin and improvise a melody for the first time. I was so scared. I couldn’t get myself together to record my playing. I failed many times. But I remember you were there, balancing your laptop on one hand and doing some magic on Logic with the other. You were so patient with me, encouraging me to try one more time again and again. I did. Again. And again. Now I’m in front of my computer with a desktop folder named “Baby” that contains everything for my second thesis. The topic? You guessed it right—it is on teaching and improvisation.
I—quite literally—wouldn’t be here without you. If it were not for your kindness, there are thousands of ways that my fascination with improvisation could’ve gone awry. You helped me cross the threshold. Of course, there are countless more things to push through, but I would not have gone anywhere if you did not encourage me to take the first step.
Our paths crossed again when I worked with ECHO after the pandemic hit. I reached out to you this time and asked you to share your insights on music production. The online workshop was such a blast. Everyone was so glad to get to know you and work with you. We are so grateful to you. You are not only someone incredibly talented but also has a big heart that draws everyone in with your warmth, kindness, and humility.
We did take another education class together. Everything was on Zoom, and my memory of that class was a complete blur. But I remember that one time when we ended up in the same breakout room for a quick check-in. I was so happy to chat with you, even just for a few minutes.
I can be such a selfish person, aggressive and judgmental at times. But you are so kind. Your warm presence softens many anxious hearts, and I am lucky to have been one of them. Our interactions were brief, but they had so much depth and meaning.
I’m so grateful for you, Jane. Even though I did express my gratitude for you in the past, I could not possibly express something that is so deeply felt with words. Thank you for sharing a part of the journey with me. Thank you for being a kindred spirit. Thank you for reminding me of the true power of compassion and the necessity of becoming a positive force that brings joy and peace to everyone around you.
I’ve always thought of the growth of lotus flowers as a metaphor for life. While they grow from mud, they are not tainted by the dirt, even just one bit at the time of their blossom. Even though the world is as confusing as it is now, we will eventually blossom with full vitality if we insist on living our lives with kindness and compassion.
When I heard the news about you this afternoon, I thought of the poem “Water Melody (水调歌头)” by Su Shi:
人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，
此事古难全。
但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。
Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again;
The moon is bright or dim, and she may wax or wane.
There has been nothing perfect since the olden days.
So let us wish that man
Will live long as he can!
Though miles apart, we’ll share the beauty she displays.
Life is a journey. We live on in perfectly imperfect ways. Tread softly but with full determination.
x
CC
To reply you need to sign in.