Writer in Progress

My Final Goodbye

Context:
Writing Scenario: After years of research and exploration, Mars is inhabitable. You've done some soul-searching and decided that you would like to go and be a part of the first colony. While this is an exciting opportunity full of genuine promise, it has one downside: you must leave everything behind. Despite your best persuasive efforts, your family and friends are not joining you. Therefore, you write a farewell piece/story just before you go. Yes, this is mainly for the people you leave behind but also your legacy. This is your last contribution to Earth. What wisdom do you have to offer?

-QUICK WRITE ASSIGNMENT

Submission:

To the world,

Hello. My name is Aryn D.B. Some may know me as Lucas, Miss Arwen, eowynangelz, or Ate—I have several titles by which some may know me. If you are reading this, you have the chance to share my story while everything on planet Earth is still intact.

First, I want to say thank you and express my deepest regards to my loved ones. Audrey, Charlie, Sarah, Sieun, Lyvv, Melanie, my mom and dad, and so many more... Thank you. I'm sorry I never said it enough. I love you. Thank you. Although my life has had so many downs due to my depression, dysmorphia, and anxiety, I wouldn't trade my experiences with all of you for the world. Every new situation and every person I've met has impacted me so much, and I want to let you know that a fragment of you will continue with me as I go to Mars. I am the person I am today because of you.

On a more personal and spiritual level, I have grown closer to the Lord and witnessed his blessings thanks to several people: Daniel, James, Andrea, Mrs. Kayekjian, Anamaria, and Mr. Kuan. If not for them, I would've continued turning my head away from His love and care for my loved ones, my friends, and myself. For example, there was a message that Mr. Kuan shared at a YP meeting that I believe has helped me become a believer in Christ. He stated that those who remain in the church life for a long time, are often surrounded by a support system of different backgrounds. He then followed with the story of Luke and his brother, how Jesus happily accepted the younger one back into his house even though he had strayed away for so many years. Secondly, James told me a verse that helped me feel more at peace and welcome to accept the Lord. Isiah 54:10, "For the mountains may depart, / And the hills may shake, / But my loving kindness will not depart from you, / And my covenant of peace will not shake, / Says Jehovah who has compassion on you." These factors allowed me to become more open to church, overcome my fear of loving the Lord, and return to his house.

To my classmates, thank you for making the class more enjoyable by being yourselves. The school would be TERRIBLE if not for the jokes, the hosted study sessions, traveling together, and your support for each other's problems. To my teachers, thank you for guiding me to be an independent student and believing I could succeed in any stressful situation. To my parents, I love you more than I've ever expressed. I am forever indebted to you both. Although I've always been independent, I'll miss being your little boy.

Now, to the most important person in my life, Lyvv. Lyvv is my younger sister. She's currently six years old and was born on July 3, 2016, at around 3 p.m. Lyvv, you're probably not going to understand the amount of emotion I'm putting into this letter, but I love you so much. I would not be here today if you were never born. I went from watching you kick our mom inside her stomach to eating salmon sashimi, texting the family group chat, and coming to me whenever you needed help. Since I'm going to Mars, I can't see you anymore, so just know that I love you more than anything else. Don't forget me, please. And even if I'm busy dancing on Mars, remember I'm always with you, and you can text my dead phone whenever you need me.

To end, I have a message for the outside world. Try your best and don't let yourself become your enemy. Trying your best is all anyone can ever ask you to do. Do not compare your accomplishments with someone else's because we're all striving to be better in our way. I find that often we are only competing with ourselves in a universe where everyone just wants to survive. The people I've ever met have done amazing things of their own accord, and I believe that with the right independent mindset, we can still save planet Earth. Whether or not you know how to drive, if you get good grades, or if you don't have a family, our best results come from when we put our best foot forward. Please remember that you are good enough. You are strong enough to make a difference. If you can change or impact one person, you can impact 3 people, your community, a society, your city—You can change the world.

Sincerely,
Aryn D.B.