Without a doubt, had Travis been with us today, he would have recieved the Student of the Year Award on February 7, 2009. Everyone who new him at Silent River Kung Fu will have in their minds, at least one or two reasons why this it true. For me, four reasons come to mind.
At the top of my list is something that I did not realize until he passed, and the entire school was left reeling with the loss. Travis, as member of this school, had somehow relected to us who we were and what we were all striving to become as individuals and as a group. What I saw in the reflection was how much we have come to treasure eachothers' company and common love of martial arts.
As a student, Travis was indeed an 'empty vessel'. His mind, attitude, and senses were pliable and receptive and at the same time he seemed to be developing the ability to think critically about what he took in from his instructors, and from his fellow students young and old.
What I found most amazing about Travis was that he was a mirror and an empty vessel. He made no judgements of people and was happy to share his hat with any one of us. In my books, that is leadership.
As a martial artist, Travis worked hard, putting all of his soul and body into every challenge. From shaolin training, I ho chuan, lion dance, and, I'm sure, in his weekly classes, Travis worked harder than many of us. He truly had embraced the concept of intensity.
It is with a heavy sense of responsibility that I reflect on being the first recipient of the Travis Panasiuk Memorial Award. Can I measure up to the qualities that I believe made Travis such an important student in our identity? The burning question for me is, "What would Travis have done after recieving this recognition?". And the burning answer is, "He would have joyfully increased his efforts 1000-fold". I believe it is my responsibility to do the same, and to encourage my fellow students to do so also.
Claire Finnamore
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4 comments:
Very well said Sihing. Your leadership continues to shine through.
Well spoken Sihing. Your insight and compassion shows us why you are the fitting recipient of this award.
I have watched you from afar. The leaps and bounds you have made this year are truly worth an award. I'm sure Travis was with us that night and was smiling as you received it. Your memories keep him alive for all of us.
Linda Shipalesky
I have no doubts that you will fulfill the goals you are setting for yourself. Like Travis, you see the big picture, and appreciate what Kung Fu is and does for all of us. Keep to the path you are blazing, it is an important one for others to follow.
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