An accidental group of us was having a conversation in the Common Room one evening after classes. The conversation was about a couple of people's experiences as a foreigner working in the US. Inevitably, the conversation was laced with the theme of individualism. A slightly fresh perspective was gained that evening. Most significantly, what struck me was this bit of the conversation:

XX: They would screw you without knowing it because that's just the way they live their lives.

YY: Yes, and the candle of innocent in you would go out.

*pause*

BM: If the candle of innocence goes out, why don't you relight it?

YY: No. Once it's gone, it's gone. You just get tougher.
........................................................

Apart from the content of the conversation, something else tickled me. In addition to getting successful people like Simon Murray, the class could start a"90-minute lunch with XXX" session where someone from the class shares his/her story with us + answer a classic/standard question (30 mins), followed by a Q&A session (60 mins).

Just in case someone from the class becomes really famous in future, we heard the earlier version of his/her life story in 2009. =)))