To all of our fuh-reeeeends:
Hard to believe it was only a week ago that we were crowding around the Cairns airport, musing over Ben & Gabe’s freakish similarities and passing around the vinegar-soiled-tote-bag for a whiff. The journey home was a long one, but only reiterated how tight knit our community had really become. Through thick and thin, highs and lows, bad airplane food and 4 repeat viewings of the same safety video, the Hongi group stayed strong and made it to LAX in one piece. It is our sincere hope that your homecomings were warm and familiar and creamy in all the right ways.
As you march onward in life, we wanted to leave you with these final Hongilicious pieces of advice:
– Go for the education, not the degree.
– Embrace your strengths — you don’t have to prove anything to your high school self.
– If a chicken shows up in church, act like it’s not there.
– Always be open to trying new things.
– With the right perspective, everything is a learning opportunity.
– Fredducini alfredo bruschetta goes best with a side of Hanz Diaz ice cream.
– Gossip is never the answer.
– Pass your bowls with love.
– Don’t ever forget to lean on us and each other whenever you need it.
– You can buy Tim Tams online here: http://bit.ly/1397dmw.
We could say a lot more, but we’ll leave it to our girl Maya:
“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
Take care and be well, Carpe Diem FANZ program alumni!
Megan and Christian