"THERE IS A BUTTERFLY IN EACH OF US"
-My reaction to HOPE FOR THE FLOWERS by Trina Paulis

This is a story of how two caterpillars, smartly named "Yellow" and "Stripe" discover what really matters in life
" There is more to life... than chasing out every temporary high-to satisfy me", this is a line from one of my favorite songs MORE TO LIFE by Stacie Orrico. Somehow, while reading the story, I can't help but hear the song played over and over again. It's like every sentence is a line from the song-that each of us is a searching soul, searching for that "high" feeling we've never felt before. As we look for our niche in this world, we are also coupled with decisions to make... tough ones most of the time. Most of the time,it is very hard to decide, there are always those what ifs, we can never be so sure. Yellow and Stripe represents us. We are all caterpillars wanting to know our purpose in this world. Some of us would follow what the rest of us are doing; we start to climb for the top, thinking what lies above is the ultimate realization of our purpose. On our way up, we sometimes become ruthless at some point, wanting to reach the acme before anyone else. I realize why there are always greedy ones, why the poor are becoming even poorer and the rich just richer- because some of those who are already on top are not hesitant to step and crush those who are below them.
Some of us are like Yellow, who followed her heart, who waited for the right time. In the end though, she took the risk, and became the butterfly that she ought to be. Unlike Stripe, who satisfied his curiosity, found himself caught in the competition, but lost anyhow. I wish we will not become like Stripe, who stepped on others to get where we want. However, I do sincerely wish that we become the Repentant Stripe- the one who accepted his mistakes and moved on with his life still.And as Trina Paulis put it- In the end, we all have to give up who we thought we are, and become who we really are.

to Catherine... my tribute

How would you feel if you have this student twenty years older than you are? Would you get intimidated, or would you feel proud as to knowing more than a person twice your age? As for me, i was just uncertain then as to how to deal with her. The challenge for me that time was the fact that she is already good in English (I was an ESL teacher). All my uncertainties disappeared though during our "getting -to-know" conversation. Right then and there, I made up my mind-I am going to like her. It was so unlikely of me to trust a person that easily, I don't know how, but it happened.
Many of us find it impossible to right away find the few good people on Earth; but I tell you, I found one in Catherine. I found her humility genuine, her intentions pure and her words just sincere. I know it is not proper to get so attached to people in the workplace as far as professionalism is concerned, much more a teacher to her student. But I got close to her somehow, I even consider our relationship way beyond the usual teacher-student one, but more of FRIENDSHIP, sometimes even like older-younger sister or mother-daughter association. She has shown me the love and affection of a friend- the Korean way. Unbelievably, she has given me the kind of respect a teacher expects from a learner... I think that was, in a word humbling. I know, I may never see her again, but she had gained her rightful place in my heart. In my memory her kindness, her generosity, her friendship linger. I am always thankful for having met her. My student, my friend, my mother, my sister, my teacher... all in one... all in Catherine.