Love letters to fathers

Editor’s Note

“Papa I know you're going to be upset, 'cause I was always your little girl. But you should know by now, I'm not a baby. I may be young at heart, but I know what I'm saying.” The lyrics of the song “Papa Don't Preach” remind us of the moments we have spent with our fathers. 

Today marks Father’s Day, the annual tradition to show our appreciation and love for the special men who have enriched our lives, shaped our characters, and encouraged and inspired us to strive for the better in both good times and bad. 

Here are letters from some of our Tsinghua students to their fathers.

Soyeon Park

 (Korea)

Exchange student

Chinese Language Program

Dear Dad,

We are very alike in many ways, especially in character. That’s why we get into fights often over tiny things. We don’t express our love to each other a lot, but today I am writing this letter to tell you how much I love you. Happy Father’s Day. I think it’ll be my first and last time celebrating Father’s Day since we don’t have this anniversary in Korea, hahaha!

When we were saying goodbye at the airport last year, instead of saying bye, you said “改天见”. It made me laugh because I hadn’t expected you to say something in Chinese. I always remember this line whenever I miss you and mom, telling myself we will meet again soon. You always told me the world out there is enormous and supported me to study in China. You let me explore the world as much as possible, and it has broadened my perspective. Thanks to the lessons you taught me. I am not afraid of going on a new adventure and stepping out of my comfort zone. 

One of the great memories of my childhood is that every year when the first snow came, you woke me up in the early morning. I enjoyed the peaceful moment and was excited to play on the snow no one had stepped on. You showed me how to make a huge snowman and pulled the sled up the hill. Even now, these memories have made my heart warm. 

When I see your hair turning grey and realize that you are aging, my heart hurts as I get older. I hope you can stay healthy and be there with me forever. Love you, my 작은 거인. 

Your little girl,

Soyeon

Guo Zihang

Chinese student

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

Dear father,

I’m really not used to calling you this way. I still want to call you Old Fat (the nickname I made for you). Maybe when you read it, you will say, “I weigh only 70 kilos now”. Anyway, even if I have owed you countless times of father, I still want to follow my heart. Old Fat loads so many recollections and reminds me of the time we spent together around Tangxun Lake in my rebellious period.

It has been a long time since we last met. Though we are all in Beijing, we spend most time apart. Presumably, you have a full and interesting life, and you seldom miss me when you are busy. That’s for the best, for I hope you can have more smiles and fewer worries. 

To my shame, I seldom contact you actively, but I’m more afraid to disappoint your expectations. I gradually realized my ordinariness, but when I think of you and Mom, I don’t dare to admit that I am willing to be ordinary.

I always think that people need to go ahead, but it is easier said than done. Now I am occupied with all kinds of stuff, such as social work and voluntary activities besides my studies. Only when I am wandering around the campus, do I have time to pay attention to staff members around me. When I see them, my heart jolts, and I think of you who also work hard like them, smiling and sweating. A year ago, my grandpa passed by, and you were very upset with a lot of regrets because of so little care and attention. Why do we always go ahead but not reflect on what has passed? These experiences touched me a lot and I want to avoid such mistakes with you. 

Back to the beginning, why don’t I want to call you father? This label shows indifference that we have no words to say when we meet together. I don’t want to do so. Instead, Old Fat is enough to reflect our relationship.

At last, Old Fat, smoke fewer cigarettes and drink less beer. On holiday, I will accompany you to drink, to eat, to exercise. 

Happy Father’s Day!

Isaac

Malawian student

School of Social Sciences

Dear dad,

When I think about you and the wonderful memories we’ve shared over the years, my heart overflows with gratitude. When I ponder the immeasurable impact you’ve had on my life, out of my mouth comes a deep appreciation for who you are!

From the time I was a young boy, you not only taught me the values of hard work, discipline and diligence, but you lived them out for me to emulate. This is why I often refer to you as one who “walks the talk”. You’ve been such a great example to me and my brothers on how we are to be determined throughout the highs and lows of life. In you, I see the Tsinghua spirit of “actions speak louder than words” as you continue to embody the importance of action over mere talk.

Over the years, you have made countless sacrifices for our family and provided for us both financially and materially. More recently, you were so instrumental in supporting my application to study abroad in China. You also inspired me to study Economics, a degree that you had attained yourself! 

Dad, I could never pay you back for all that you have done for me! Instead, all I want to do is to continue carrying your legacy you have instilled in me and make you proud! 

My footsteps are your footsteps; and my successes are also your successes!

Happy Father’s Day! 

Cristian Wang

 (Italy)

Exchange student

Chinese Language Program

Dear Dad,

This is a letter. A letter for you. I know it might seem a bit strange. A bit out of the blue. I just want to let you know the feelings I have towards you. During all these years, we didn’t have the best relationship a father and a son could have; that’s true. We had our fair amount of fights, conflicts, screaming at each other. Several times I wished I had a different father, someone I could spend more time with, someone that encouraged me more, someone that showed me more love. But now… now no more. 

You see, one of the main things that we learn as we grow up is mutual understanding: you really become an adult the moment you can put yourself in other people’s shoes. When I was told about what you went through, all the challenges you had to overcome throughout your life, I started to understand you better. Born and raised in poverty, you had to drop out of school to start working and provide economic support to your family. Later on, you decided to take a leap of faith and came to Europe. At 16 years old, you arrived at Rome airport alone. In a foreign country where you didn’t even know their language. A completely different planet than where you lived. You came with only two suitcases and a burning desire to create a better future for yourself and for your future family. You worked hard, took great risks, and lived below your means.

Even during our family’s darkest times, when we literally reached rock bottom, you didn’t give up. Instead, you continued to work hard. All of this just to provide me with food on the table and clothes I could wear. You sacrificed your dreams so I could achieve mine. Dad, that’s something I will never forget about. That’s something I will always be grateful for. Just like an iceberg, I could only see your cold surface, but that was only the smallest part of you! Deep beneath the ocean water, deep inside of you… there… there was hidden all the unexpressed love you had for me. I’m proud of you Dad. I wish I could be as resilient as you. I love you Dad. Just so you know, I should have said these four words more often. I promise you I will make you proud one day. Wait for me. Until then, be safe and take good care of yourself.

I miss you Dad. 

I miss you a lot.

Your first son,

Cristian

Father’s Day is just an additional reminder to celebrate and express our love for fathers. 

Time is ticking out, and instead of saying “I wish I had,” let us choose to say, “I am glad I did,” and mark this special day. 

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Father’s Day | Love letters to fathers

Writers: Soyeon, Issac, Liu Han, Guo Zihang, Cristian Wang 

Editors: Sangeet Sangroula, Liu Shutian

Designers:  Xia Yifei, Penny Tan