More Than A Necklace Of Shells

Post date: Aug 16, 2012 12:39:47 AM

I still remember the first time I heard his name. It was during the College of Science Variety Show at De La Salle University(DLSU), Manila, Philippines. I heard that he was a Pre-Med Physics student who had a golden voice! He was slated to emcee the show. Little did I know that he also had a song number to perform. And, perform he did. From then on, it would seemed that I would always be one step behind him; always following his path across time and space. From serving as an academic service faculty (ASF) while pursuing a master degree in chemistry at DLSU to doing graduate studies at University of Houston to teaching high school science here in Texas; Ricky has always paved the way for me.

This past school year my students gave me a necklace of shells. They told me that each shell represents a student whose life I have touched and transformed. My immediate thought was, who made it possible for me to do so...Ricky. You see, 10 years ago, he sent me an application packet for graduate school to the University of Houston. He guided me through the application process. He helped me adjust to life here in the states. He was my saving grace during the times when I was down.

As he starts a new phase in his life, I take this time to thank him for leading the way; for being a pioneer; for being the epitome of a teacher dedicated and committed to educating his students; and, for being my friend and confidant.

The lives that you have touched, Ricky, is more that the shells on a necklace. It is infinitely more that you can imagine. I believe that if God uproots you from one place, it is because He is planting you in another land that is more fertile. So, here's to your future endeavors. Still, I am gonna miss you my friend.

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