Rene Victoria Tan Rui Ting, 14

School: CHIJ Secondary

Topic: A letter on a class celebration proposal

Award: Merit, Junior Category, 2024

Dear Mrs Lim,

I am Rene Tan and I am writing to you regarding Mrs Sum, my Mathematics teacher. As you may have seen on the news, she has selflessly donated her kidney to an unknown stranger. On behalf of the class, I would like to seek your approval for a celebration that is to be held when she returns from her one-month leave to show our gratitude and appreciation for her.

Mrs Sum has always been such a kind-hearted soul who has helped many students and strangers. I not only often see her around the MRT stations giving money in exchange for tissue packets from old folks, but she has also lent a listening ear to many students and was there when they needed someone to confide in. She helped me pretty recently as my Father had also given his kidney to my Brother. My Brother was very ill and after finding out that my Father was compatible with him, he immediately jumped at the opportunity in the hopes of helping my Brother. However, everything was playing out too fast and with the risks in my mind, I was terrified. Mrs Sum could see what was happening as I had been crying all day. I could not hold it in me anymore and had to tell someone so I uncovered the truth to Mrs Sum as to why I was crying. Although I was still very hesitant, her calming presence reassured me a bit. Seeing as to how she, herself donated her kidney, it makes so much sense as to why she knew so much about the process. Looking at how she is okay now, it brings great comfort to know my family is safe. Her actions impacted me greatly and I sincerely hope to pay her back in some form.

Therefore, I would like to throw a celebration for her. The decorations would all be in her favourite colour, pink and the theme of the party would be hearts to show everyone’s love for her. Many students have come forward and volunteered to bake goodies like cake and cookies. Others have also planned to bring snacks like chips and candies. We have arranged to bring party decorations like party poppers, balloons and many others. I have organised to do it on Monday morning where the first period is form-teacher time before our Mathematics lesson. Not to worry, this celebration will not take long and everyone has agreed to help out in the cleaning afterwards.

I really hope you will consider this proposal as Mrs Sum is truly one of the best teachers I have come across. Additionally, it does not feel right to let her heroic act just go unnoticed. Mrs Sum has always lifted our spirits and tried to make class a little more fun so I think it’s time to do the same by throwing this celebration for her.

I wish you will consider my proposal for this celebration. Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Rene Tan

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2024 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health).

To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg