What a character Phillip N is! Totally blunt. Brutally honest. Completely hilarious. Even back in grade 8, it became readily apparent that this guy was very unique... in a great way. He appears on the scene, makes a few edgy comments (with a huge smile on his face), and disappears again (often leaving you thinking "WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!?!?!").
Plus, he's a Man of Mystery! His own friends (his BEST friends) have told me things like "I never knew Phillips went to church... and I've known him since kindergarten". Or "Phillips moved?!? He didn't even tell me!!". So sneaky!
I'll have to post a photo of the amazing card Phillips gave me at the end of grade 10 (when I announced that I would not - unfortunately - be teaching his grade the following year). The outside has a bloody knife on it and says something like "See you NEVER" and the inside says, quite simply: "Hate"... about 125 times!! It's pretty hilarious (and VERY Phillips) and it led to this incredible exchange with another staff member...
Staff Member: Hey? What's with this card? Why does it have a knife on the outside?
Mr Wadge: Check out the INside!
Staff Member (opening card): This is awful! A student gave this to you? I don't think this is acceptable in any way. It's rude and offensive. Who on earth gave this to you?
Mr Wadge: Phillips Ng.
Staff Member: Oh... well then... no big deal then. It's ok.
hahahahahah. I love it!
Last summer, I had the opportunity to be a CLASSMATE of Phillips. We both took an Introduction to Computer Programming course at UBC (along with the wonderful Nella L). In fact, Phillips and I were even partners for the final project. I think we made a pretty good team. There were times when we would be working away on something and I'd be struggling. This was some TOUGH stuff we were doing. I'd be getting all frustrated and I'd look over at Phillips. He'd appear completely nonplussed. No stress at all. Finally, feeling hopeless, I'd turn to Phillips: "Hey, have you figured out how to do this?".
Phillips would glance at me and then back at his screen: "I don't know how to do it so I'm just playing a computer game instead".
And this happened multiple times!
But we were a good pair. I taught him the power of "Cut and Paste" and he had most of the "Brilliant Insights" that allowed us to successfully complete our project (analyzing the tempo of 50000+ songs in popular music). Plus, our end-of-course oral presentation was great. Phillips offered a 10-second introduction and then I prattled on for another 5 - 6 minutes. So we were both happy!
Phillips, I love your distinctive personality, your dark sense of humour, and your modesty (does everyone realize that Phillips is a VERY, VERY good math student?). You are truly a memorable person (and all my memories of you will be positive ones). I can't believe how different you are from your sister (former Student of the Week Jacquline!) but one thing you both have in common is your endearing dispositions. Not sure what your plan is for next year (maybe Computer Science at UBC with the amazing Julia?) but I know that you will do great things. King George won't be the same without you!