People are beautiful.

There are a hundred reasons why I hate goodbyes, but one reason why I do like it is that it tends to bring out the good in people. I'm usually a cynical and cautious person when it comes to dealing with other people. But during goodbyes and farewells, people tend to let their guard down for a moment and show some vulnerability that makes you realize: we're all human, we're all good deep down, and we're all looking for something.

Today is a particularly emotionally draining day. I've had to say goodbye to the kids in the summer camp and just a few hours ago we had the farewell dinner between the camp organizers. Tears were shed, by others mainly, but also by me.

Everybody shared a little something about their experiences here for the last month and in the process, many of us let our armor down and showed us a little bit of their true selves. And among the tears and laughter, I realize that people are good, people are beautiful.

And as for my camp kids, I'm glad I came, met them, played with them, taught them, and hugged them tight before they left. Ethan, Oscar, Coco, Sophia, the other Sophia, Maria, Jen, Dora, and Amanda, I hope I can meet you guys again one day, if not then I hope I made some kind of impact in your lives and that you guys remember me fondly from time to time.

Pingxi, Taiwan