I finally was able to thank him in person after more than a decade.

I first met Hossan at the age of 8. There was an audition for child singers and I was given the opportunity to give it a try. I remember having to be in a booth alone while Hossan and other adults instructed me on what to do.

Next year, Hossan and Selina Tan came to direct a school show in my primary school. I tried it out, not knowing what to expect. It was such a fun experience, being able to be someone you are not for a moment in your life. I was able to express my feelings. When usually we children were told to keep, for once we were able to laugh and be angry and just be a human being with real human emotions. I knew right then this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

13 years later this year, I was the lead actor in a theatre production. I was told Hossan would be attending the show. I was looking forward to meeting him again. However, as it has multiple casts he didn't get to watch my show.

I felt bumped out and was hanging out with the audience after the shows ended that night. I saw him still hanging around and told them how he introduced me to theatre at the age of 9 but I wasn't able to perform for him that night. Someone told me to just approach him and talk to him and that she is sure he would be proud of me. So I approached him just as he was about to leave. I introduced myself and said "13 years ago you directed my first school show in Jiemin Primary School. I just want to thank you. If not for you, I may have never discovered theatre and I might not be an actor today." He was in shock. He asked me again "How many years ago?" "13." He was so happy he introduced me to his friends. I told him how I felt sad that I wasn't able to perform for him tonight. He encouraged me and said that I should be proud of what I have accomplished, and that I am now a professional actor. I was crying throughout the conversation, partly because I couldn't perform for him, but more importantly because I finally was able to thank him in person after more than a decade.

I will always be grateful to this wonderful man and Selina Tan for planting the seed of passion and love for acting in me.

You are the best of me.