うっしくんへ
I know I haven't written an entry in a long time since I have been extremely busy and loathe writing in Japanese, but I recently decided that I should write an entry about an old friend of mine who just very recently passed away, 牛山喬史 (Better known as うっし).
I'd write in Japanese, but I doubt I'd be able to get across everything I'd want to say, so I'll just do it in English. My apologies in advance to Takashi, who I'm sure would criticize me for not がんばるing and biting the bullet, haha. I know that he wouldn't hesitate to write in English in the same sort of situation.
I wouldn't say that I knew Takashi very well, but he was definitely more than an acquaintance to me. I remember that the first time I met him, my first impression of him was one of extreme energy, kindness and generosity. He simply seemed like a really fun guy who always put others before himself. As I got to know Takashi better, I was definitely right on all accounts.
When I look back at all of the pictures from my Freshman year, it becomes clear to me that Takashi played a huge part in my life. We went to the AASA dance, sang at Go Hyang, drank at countless parties and celebrated numerous friends' birthdays together. I even remember when I edited one of his papers for him and the crazy cheerleader dance he did for everyone at the Lewis Cultural Night. One memory sticks out in my mind above all others, however.
It was a late night in the basement of Lewis. I was down there by myself studying Japanese, like always, when I noticed Takashi passing by. I said hi and asked him what he was doing, and he told me he was just finishing up his laundry and getting ready to go to bed. When he saw that I was studying Japanese, however, he insisted that he help me until I got everything down. So, we went over flash card after flash card of Genki 1 vocabulary words, until I had memorized every one. The next day when I went to class and took my quiz, I ended up getting 100 on it, all thanks to Takashi and his kindness. I never forgot how Takashi pushed me to study and stick with Japanese even when I extremely disillusioned with the language, and he never forgot either. Every time I saw him after that, he would always quiz me to make sure I remembered everything.
This memory illustrates Takashi perfectly. He was the kindest, most energetic and driven individual I have ever met. He would drop everything at a moment's notice to help someone in need, even co-authoring a book with the sole purpose of helping strangers. He was one-of-a-kind, and I doubt I'll ever meet someone like him again.
I was extremely shocked when Matt told me the news, mainly because it never crossed my mind that I would never see Takashi ever again. I had always expected to meet up with him in Japan someday. However, I like to think that he is in a better place now, making the most of the situation like he always did.
I will miss you, Takashi. You were a great guy, and an even better friend. You made my first year of college more fun than I could have ever imagined, and I can't even picture my Freshman year without you.
I hope you're still as 元気 as ever, wherever you are! わっしょい！
I'd write in Japanese, but I doubt I'd be able to get across everything I'd want to say, so I'll just do it in English. My apologies in advance to Takashi, who I'm sure would criticize me for not がんばるing and biting the bullet, haha. I know that he wouldn't hesitate to write in English in the same sort of situation.
I wouldn't say that I knew Takashi very well, but he was definitely more than an acquaintance to me. I remember that the first time I met him, my first impression of him was one of extreme energy, kindness and generosity. He simply seemed like a really fun guy who always put others before himself. As I got to know Takashi better, I was definitely right on all accounts.
When I look back at all of the pictures from my Freshman year, it becomes clear to me that Takashi played a huge part in my life. We went to the AASA dance, sang at Go Hyang, drank at countless parties and celebrated numerous friends' birthdays together. I even remember when I edited one of his papers for him and the crazy cheerleader dance he did for everyone at the Lewis Cultural Night. One memory sticks out in my mind above all others, however.
It was a late night in the basement of Lewis. I was down there by myself studying Japanese, like always, when I noticed Takashi passing by. I said hi and asked him what he was doing, and he told me he was just finishing up his laundry and getting ready to go to bed. When he saw that I was studying Japanese, however, he insisted that he help me until I got everything down. So, we went over flash card after flash card of Genki 1 vocabulary words, until I had memorized every one. The next day when I went to class and took my quiz, I ended up getting 100 on it, all thanks to Takashi and his kindness. I never forgot how Takashi pushed me to study and stick with Japanese even when I extremely disillusioned with the language, and he never forgot either. Every time I saw him after that, he would always quiz me to make sure I remembered everything.
This memory illustrates Takashi perfectly. He was the kindest, most energetic and driven individual I have ever met. He would drop everything at a moment's notice to help someone in need, even co-authoring a book with the sole purpose of helping strangers. He was one-of-a-kind, and I doubt I'll ever meet someone like him again.
I was extremely shocked when Matt told me the news, mainly because it never crossed my mind that I would never see Takashi ever again. I had always expected to meet up with him in Japan someday. However, I like to think that he is in a better place now, making the most of the situation like he always did.
I will miss you, Takashi. You were a great guy, and an even better friend. You made my first year of college more fun than I could have ever imagined, and I can't even picture my Freshman year without you.
I hope you're still as 元気 as ever, wherever you are! わっしょい！