Last week marked the end of my time on Jamie’s Gapyear Program (JGP).

I’ve documented extensively about my progress this year, but none would be possible without the giants who graciously lend their shoulder for me to stand on. Here are the giants:

Jamie, the catalyst for my journey into entrepreneurship, thank you for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you for giving me the chance to prove that my dreams are possible, that I am capable of stepping out of paths laid for me, and creating my own future. Thank you for taking a chance on me, when I had nothing but an idea that I want to fulfill. I am grateful for the time you’ve lent me, and I’ll be indebted to you until I can pass this blessing to the next generation of young people.

Ronnie, our program director, thank you for being my guru in the startup realm. I am humbled that you were willing to patiently walk a rookie through the nitty gritty details of this arena. Thank you for always being there when I had a question or advice. I am grateful to have earned you as a trusted mentor and a friend.

PinYi, probably the JGP fellow I spent the most time with, thank you for the companionship. They say the start up journey is lonely, but you made mine easier. Thank you for sharing your time and progress with me, it was a pleasure to grow my project along side yours.

Caleb, the student VC veteran, thank you for connecting me with so many likeminded people. I greatly appreciate your teachings of the ins and outs of this industry, whether in our conversations or adventures in Stanford. Thank you for the guidance and support, and I wish you best on your ambitions.

The rest of the JGP fellows, each of you have made a lasting impression on my life. It was an honor to know each one of you, and I wholeheartedly believe you will all leave a lasting impact in your respect domains.

My friends from ASES, it was a pleasure to find others who are so likeminded. Special shoutout to friends like Stanley and Reese, seasoned players who took time out to broaden my knowledge around entrepreneurship and startups. Perhaps those conversations were frivolous to you, but they had a profound impact on my understanding of the industry.

My family, especially Miffy, thank you for making my year in Taiwan comfortable and welcoming. Your support is endearing, and crucial to my success.

And last but not least, my love Amaranta, thank you for sticking by me through this year of long distance. You motivate me to push myself everyday and pick me up when I feel down. Without you none of this would turn out as well as it did, and I am thankful for your companionship and love through this difficult year.