From Miss Mona to Quan Luu

Found this during “year-end cleanup” and this was the best and timeless “departing gift” from Teacher Mona. I was one of her students in HTC Palawan was the birth place of so many memories.

Before Quan Luu left PFAC, he asked some teachers, international volunteers and friends in the camp to write notes in his Autograph Book.  Here's what Teacher Mona wrote.

June 29, 1989

My dear Quan,

Writing in this book brings back memories when I was young like you. Asking some special friends to drop some lines in my autograph book, hoping against hope that friendship once shared will last till the end of time.  Well, as your teacher, I've not advised you anything but I hope this piece will help you something to live by.

You must have a hope to inspire you, a path to pursue, an object to work for, a plan and a purpose to view.  You must have a sense of direction, or lost, you'll go drifting along.  You must have faith to hold you when life holds us light and strong.  You must have stake in the future though swiftly the years depart.  You'll always have something to live for if you have a dream in your Heart. 

The best of luck in every endeavor that you'll undertake.  God bless and always be good.

Love,

Teacher Mona

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Teacher Mona's words brought tears to my eyes. The kindness and love the teachers at HTC gifted the Vietnamese students with is so precious. A deeply touching example of humanity. If we can all follow this example, the world will be a much better place. Stories like this should be told to the world and remind us all to be kind and charitable to one another.

Kieu Phung

Yes, her words were simple, but so powerful. They fueled my energy and endurance during those early days of hardships in the US . When I was reading it today, it was so emotional. Feel like it's just yesterday. The ink is still fresh even after nearly 30 years! She is awesome!

 

Quan Luu

 

Looking at your profile... I am so glad that you are so successful now in your chosen field... keep in touch please... my best regards to your family Quan oi... very happy to be reconnected with you today.

Benny Ong