Currently Listening to: Kid Cudi – REVOFEV
Lil Wayne ft. Drake – Right Above It
Jay Sean ft. Nicki Minaj – 2012
Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West – Erase Me
Kanye West ft.Beyonce & Uncle Charlie Wilson – See Me Now
Novel ft. Joell Ortiz and Colin Munroe -Walking on Air
The Xiao Ding Dong’s are an incredibly mature group; it almost didn’t feel right to be my immature self; You guys process internally more than I remember doing so in my junior high years. There are things that just come with age (like the Asian in America and American in Asia thing..) and I feel like I had nothing to teach to you guys. For the most part, small group was fun and easy for me as a counselor and I just loved hanging out with you guys. You all are talented and energetic, I just loved observing. It was just so worth it and rewarding. I hope you learned as much from me as I learned from you guys!
Kevin – I just realized that I’m two for two when it comes to having a “Kevin” in my small groups. That’ s awesome on so many levels, the most important being that “Kevin” is obviously the most awesome name ever. Seriously though, it was a blessing to have you in our small group this year; you definitely show maturity and intelligence beyond your years. I didn’t have to say anything about you to your brother, we both know how great of a natural leader you are, leading by example by setting the correct tone whenever necessary. You know when to have fun and when to crack down to be serious. After two years, I can’t imagine being a counselor without you around, you just make our lives as counselors easier. No doubt. Plus, I like your taste in music… Stay cool, stay fly. I’ll see you next year.
Josh - Dumplings, Chocolate Cake, Hamburgers, Onion Rings, Ice Cream, Bubble Tea, Fried Chicken, Spaghetti…. 
What’s up man? I always forget you’re still so young cause you’re so tall! But that doesn’t mean you’re not incredibly mature, and that you care for your family and friends as best you can; the size of your heart truly rivals your stature. I’m looking back right now and I can’t tell what your passions are; what are things you want to do for yourself and what you’re truly interested in, but you’re still young and it doesn’t matter yet. I know you’re going to be an amazing leader, because you carry so much strength in such a young soul. It’s hard to describe: but you willingly put on this burden that no one’s asked of you and that’s incredibly adult; it’s something I’m immensely proud of.
Veronica – I honestly don’t know where to start. For one, I think high school will be a an amazing experience for you; you have the maturity and heart for it. I admire your passion and emotion; and the courage to which you’re willing to explore and put it out. You are an amazing girl; stay true to yourself, DON’T let others dictate your life and your decisions, you’re so much better and stronger than that. I honestly believe that words can’t describe that light; it’s just stellar; never let it fade. I know I’ve been kind of iffy about helping you and everyone else, but call me if you have anything to talk about. Don’t hold me to Skype dates or text messages; just find number and press call and I’ll answer/call you back if I miss it and we’ll just talk.
Jessalyn - YOU CRAZY GIRL! you’re just a blast to be around and to hang out with because you have great energy. There’s so much that you struggle to contain it! That’s more than okay, I LOVE IT! I just hope you got as much out of small group as you thought you should, it was kinda tough; I know. Talking about certain things and having to sit and just think about it is difficult; even for the counselors, but its important and I certainly hope you saw what the staff and what John D was trying to convey. I’m pretty sure you got something from TAF beyond the games; you do have an understanding of when the counselors and staff are trying to convey something difficult. It was awesome having you in small group and I can’t wait to hang out with you again.
Melissa – YAY! I’m glad you got to come back this year and have fun! Coming back after being gone for awhile could be really hard but you settled in really really well! At first, I was really afraid because you were so quiet! But it didn’t take long for most of that to change. Sometimes it was hard to see or figure out what you were thinking about, but whenever you spoke it was with clarity and purpose. You’re never afraid to ask questions and that’s awesome. I hope you learned from me as much as I learned from you this summer… I really look forward to hanging out with you some more and seeing you come back next year. You’re awesome!
Angela – I have one really lasting memory of you, when you talked about your family; it was really touching because I could see just how much you truly loved and cared for them. It can be hard sometimes; I know it.. I think everyone does, but your passion and love for your family and your friends is unreal. I know you were looking for more from me and I’m really sorry I couldn’t give it to you. This year was hard for me and I wasn’t focused and I couldn’t keep the small group focused for discussion that maybe other small group advisers could have. Youth will suit you well because you have the mind for more complex discussions; but while I think you share a lot; I think you hesitate to what extent you’re willing to share. Don’t be afraid to just let it loose, you’re an amazing girl with an amazing insight on life and I really want to hear you speak your mind and heart.
