Why You Should Open Your Yearbook | Sean Wang's H.A.G.S. (Have a Good Summer) | Op-Docs

As I approach my late 20s, I find myself constantly swimming in thoughts about my future. The anxiety I feel is amplified by how monumental this period was for my parents: At 26, they left behind their community in Taiwan in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their children in America. I’m now the same age, and I can think of little that could convince me to uproot my life and seek opportunity in a faraway place.
Maybe that’s the single greatest privilege of my life - because of my parents’ sacrifice, my biggest challenges lie in navigating my sense of identity, fulfillment and the pursuit of my own dream of being a filmmaker, the sort of dream they never had the luxury of having.
In the short documentary above, I revisit a more innocent time in my life: middle school in Fremont, Calif. Flipping through my yearbook made me curious about how old friends who signed “H.A.G.S.” (Have A Good Summer) and doodled Sharpie penises were handling adulthood and the uncertainty about the future - so I decided to call them and find out.
Director's statement from Sean Wang ( / seanswang .
Read more: nyti.ms/2RPa6Zg
More from The New York Times Video:
Subscribe: bit.ly/U8Ys7n​
Watch all of our videos here: nytimes.com/video​
Facebook: / nytvideo​
Twitter: / nytvideo​
----------
Op-Docs is a forum for short, opinionated documentaries by independent filmmakers. Learn more about Op-Docs and how to submit to the series. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NYTopinion).

[@arminvanbuuren883]

I dont think theres a better drug in the world than nostalgia. Its filled with so many emotions at the same time...

[@lreid2495]

It's the cheapest, sometimes most readily available drug out there hey? I couldn't agree more.

[@spammusubi1607]

I love the style of this video and the editing. Definitely nothing like any of the other New York Times vids. It feels personal and nostalgic

[@fran_-de2ph]

the video is bad if its not edited by neeko omilana .. everyone knows that LOL

[@bluebelle42]

"I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them." - best quote from The Office 🧡

[@xoxoamirtha]

Great quote ❤️

[@randawfa1638]

This made me so nostalgic, sad, and hopeful at the same time.

[@gmbaest1660]

I bet this video really hits different for all those people who graduated high school, or college during 2020. I'm just about to finish my first year at college. The sense of progression I'm feeling is so strange, I know I'm moving forward, but it also feels still and silent. It's weird knowing all my peers and friends are moving along, and getting out there, but I never really got to say bye to them. I keep forgetting I never got proper closure for my high school years. Life is just moving so fast, and college work is just engulfing me, which makes it pretty hard to reflect on my last year at high school. Not to mention I'll be moving to campus this fall. I hope I get to say bye to my friends and teachers this time before I move.

[@priyanshiagrawal9506]

I hope you do too :)

[@armangutierrez3697]

Omg same. I also had to graduate virtually. I thought it was gonna br me and my friends getting recognition for the hard work that we did. An official goodbye to high school. And now im in college, and it sucks. Like i think to myself that there is more to this. Luckily im now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Our governor have already ordered vaccines that includes college students as the priority. I just hope that i will experience more of this life sooner. I honestly cant wait!

[@xav96]

i graduated middle school during 2020 and it was one of the most surreal moments of my life

[@may6v6]

yea this video rly does😭

[@kindaking]

LMAO my high school year book signatures were on a google doc-

[@MK-jn9uu]

Are you serious?

[@Sanyu-Tumusiime]

@@MK-jn9uu maybe he graduated last year during corona

[@talamuffy3094]

I can’t 😭

[@pete7389]

I have never seen such a diverse year book. My mind is kinda blown...

[@s0ggywaffles338]

idk where this guy is from but public schools in nyc are pretty much like that (im a native)

[@catpaws2452]

@@s0ggywaffles338 seems like the guy is from the sf bay, they mention it and the slang they use. Diversity like this is pretty common

[@Skyhi.Visuals]

Looked regular to me . Gotta accepted everything it’s about character not skin colour

[@miz_logo_lee]

He’s from the Bay Area. That’s how it is there. I grew up about 20 miles away, similar yearbook.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah I was still living in AR when I was in middle school

[@matthewpittman8598]

Just watched Didi and to find this video two days later. It’s really cool to see your thoughts and goals from that time and see now how far you’ve come in pursuing that dream! I feel like I got a snapshot of three different points in your life. But your movie Didi was such a moving film! As someone who grew up during that time and around skaters I feel like your movie captured so much of the essence of growing up in that time, the dialogue, the events. And as someone whose mom is a Chinese immigrant. It’s amazing to see so many similar experiences portrayed in film and to feel represented on the big screen. I wish you all the best! Keep up the great work!

[@austinmoon]

This. Is. So. Good.

[@rachelcheng3823]

this video style is so unique

[@rej0yce]

This is amazing to watch after DiDi

[@L.Spencer]

I was thinking about this the other day when I heard the song "Don't you forget about me". When you hear that song in high school you feel it so intensely, you don't want to forget or be forgotten. In middle age, we've all moved on. Sort of. Something about teenage years always stays with us, the intensity of feelings. How many of us remember each other? Probably most of us.

[@kathyerickson9402]

You are my son's age. But I remember being 24 (when I met his dad) and how "adult" I thought I was/should be. At 59, I realize how much I had to learn, just by living my life. It's an ongoing lesson. (And every time I dust the bookshelves in my bedroom, which isn't often enough, I stop and go through my yearbook. Wow.)

[@whoah.12]

SO HYPED FOR HIS NEW MOVIE COMING OUT!!

[@A_Sicallyo]

It was a masterpiece

[@happyzinny]

Whoa! I didn’t even make the connection, that’s awesome and inspires hope.

[@nuj427]

I'm the kind of person always thinking about the past. And one thing I really regret not doing was buying middle school year books. Missed out all three years. Well I thought it was too expensive and as a result didn't bother asking my parents. Thinking oh next year.. and didn't bother. At the time I didn't care about photos or memories. And guess what I'm into photography now how ironic? And I know everyone is into photography now but I really got serious during the myspace era (so you know it's been some time) and buying my own pro DSLR at the time. But yeah it's crazy how time flies. I'm 31 now. I grew up in SF, and I'm living in France now. If I only had gotten into photography earlier there's so much great and bad moment about the city by the bay I've experienced.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

It’s ok man

[@smrithipoolakkil1277]

I loved the way sean created this. It perfectly captured the middle school spirit everyone still carries. Its just so sweet

[@blusef1]

Omg. I just watched didi last night and have been watching Sean wang interviews and loved that KZbin fed me this!! Totally shows his style was honed thru many years!!

[@akirebara]

This was lovely. It made me yearn for times in high school after school when we had a bit of time to hang out before going home.

[@shootingbysal]

woah, watching this after watching Didi gives such insight on the human experience and how I as a director may input my old friends into my films. One day i’m gonna work with Sean Wang and I know it

[@JuanAbadChannel]

Incredible video. I lost contact with most of my friends back in high school. But watching this put a big smile on my face.

[@lalakuma9]

With complete honesty, I do think that they're living the American dream. They just don't realize it sometimes because living the dream doesn't mean you're successful all the time, but they are working towards something.

[@ashley-jy4xo]

this was sweet and funny :) I feel the sense of fear when it comes to the future, like what if everything doesn't work out :/ that really is reality

[@kaylafayrie2.0]

me recognizing the background of some of those middle school pictures omg

[@returningtoearthtv8836]

Brilliant. Edge of my seat for the whole 8 1/2 minutes. Beautiful work, Sean.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

In one of my year brooks I keep looking at the signature of my former classmates who unfortunately passed in 2020 ❤ rip Noah Harrell we’ll always love u no matter what

[@nikeba11a13]

The IRL prequel to Didi !

[@cileft011]

hit a different way when i realized the interviewer and his classmates are exactly as old as i am...

[@unispeck2853]

This was really beautiful. Well done.

[@meganmiller3623]

Clever, creative, smart. I loved this, well done.❤️❤️❤️

[@schauzeit]

This is so cool, props to the video editor! Have a good summer 🌞

[@SuperJfuzz]

I also just turned 26. Thoughts about the future and the past have been filling my mind lately. Can’t help but think where the time has gone, but also what’s going to happen next. It’s scary to say the least, but it’s comforting knowing that we were all just once kids and we’re all trying to figure it out.

[@youdonwannaknowme]

Just came to check out Sean Wang's other works after watching Didi. And just like Didi, wow, what an amazing work! 😮 Heartfelt, and really hits home 😊

[@desiraecarrillo3036]

I’m 26 I feel better now, Iv been freaking out the last two years feeling like I’m the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out.

[@Otter-Destruction]

lol don't worry you're in a very packed boat.

[@ranaeid2390]

This is such a beautiful video. I loved that I ran into this when I was looking through my fifth grade yearbook.

[@topraman519]

I'm about 5 years older than you, South Asian, grew up in the same area, went to a heavily Asian school. This brings back a lot of memories.

[@dalandanie_]

Beautiful. Simple. Profound. Came here after seeing the Didi Trailer. I don’t think I’ll be able to have conversations like this as a homeschooled high schooler and as someone who lost most of their friends from elementary. But thank you for allowing me to experience what timeless friendship and high school nostalgia might feel like through this vid.

[@jasonbourne828]

right now this very moment is the good old days. enjoy yourself! be a boss

[@joelhalli]

I've come back to this so many times, this is absolutely amazing

[@AirQuotes]

No idea where my middle school yearbook is. I had no friends so no one signed my yearbook or asked me to sign theirs. I'm pretty sure I just threw it away 🙃😭

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Dang I’m sorry bruh

[@keith2o9]

This is amazing. I wish I can just call up my old middle school and hs buddies just like that.

[@summersummer280]

This was beautiful, thank you

[@dimitra7628]

This is so cool!! The characters that played the real life people did them so much justice and I can’t believe how much they resemble you guys. Also I kinda wish there was a scene in Didi about that bus experience 😂 but that movie was also just perfect as is. It changed my life and I’m so grateful to have seen it the other night. Will never be the same!!

[@gc1097]

crying in quarantine rn

[@panteleykolodii]

This is touching to watch, good job imo

[@bamboocarver]

This is probably the best thing about being an adult and remembering the past. Shouldve gave this to Sundance tbh

[@Otter-Destruction]

lmao his year book gave me PTSD. The beanies in 80 degree weather, the studded belts the long hair and Hot Topic.

[@YaarTeraUkWala]

Thank you for giving so much love to my song God bless your parents

[@priscillahussain1722]

Did you say HYPHY?!?!!! Did we school together?!?!! Bay urrrreaaa!! Nope. You’re wayyy younger than me. I can’t believe hyphy lasted so long. Not gunna lie, I still get dumb in my backpack ALL THE TIME! 😂😅 It’s a beautiful video. So real. Keep telling stories the way you do. So glad you managed a “hella” in there. Thanks for taking ME back down memory lane too, and I’m far from being from your class 😂. Love the marriage of sounds and visuals

[@wholesomesimon]

So awesome seeing his style evolve and parts of the way this is edited bleeding into didi

[@whatevereyewant]

This is interesting to come back to after seeing Didi

[@yokes1648]

I’ve been seeing this video in my recommendation but didn’t think of clicking on it for a while.... What a mistake!!! I love every past of the video. Thank you.

[@WARSfate]

I loved this so much! Amazing work

[@yayo_jam5223]

This video is inspiring........... Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it up man and your dreams will come true!!! you have the talent

[@mooltz]

Wow, this hits different as someone who's last year of school was 7th grade. I went to maybe 3 months of 8th grade. Didn't go to high school. I have so many good memories of middle school, and I think about those friends and acquaintances often, how those years were so awkward but so innocent. How we had so many dreams that never materialized...

[@topraman519]

4:09 that G-Unit t-shirt, yup that was middle school in the 00s all right.

[@spooky_boi4329]

This was made so well

[@gregcooks9]

Love this video! amazing work sean !

[@lexthanexpected]

the yearbook was really nostalgic for me, turns out it’s cause we’re born the same year. i’m from canada, but so similar

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah Toronto

[@kscott6378]

I love this video. I just graduated from college in April and I am trying to find my way and experience life and find a job all at the same time. It is a weird feeling because I do see all of my eighth grade or high school friends having kids or getting married and I feel so behind in life. I know that having a family does not mean that you are fulfilling life but it just makes me feel a little uncertain of where I am if that makes. Anyway amazing video.

[@cadenmorse1024]

This is like the original DidI

[@julianavellaromero3378]

What a beautiful thing you did, Sean.

[@capricornstar9803]

Awww…this made me miss my teenage days 😢

[@KentHeckel]

This was amazing!!!

[@josegonza1ez]

this was such a great piece.

[@rayeiswriting4372]

2:20 “cockpit and pull it” killed me!

[@ivettemercado7259]

this was just amazing!!

[@ryanniven]

dangg... this hit hard

[@annnajx]

I’m crying thank you

[@Emeryy.draftz]

I had just gotten my 7th grade yearbook when this was posted I think I'll do this one day lol I don't know everyone changes time files fast like jeez oh yeah and happy belated birthday whenever it was!!

[@flrmattKGZ]

This is beautiful 💕🙏🏽

[@nikolnolastname4473]

At my age my mom was married with a middle schooler, me, and was a whole adult. We immigrated to the US when I was 13 and I feel disappointed in myself cause I had opportunities that she didn't. Adulting is hard.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Well it was a good thing y’all moved to the U.S.

[@amandajchan]

ahh i have happy, nostalgic tears

[@statelyelms]

Entirely underrated.

[@ryandelisle7089]

This was really nice thanks for sharing

[@ttt3377]

Makes me feel so old being 22

[@SofokeBeats]

This was so good

[@aijint]

Who else got this reccomended in time

[@michaelye4514]

This is really good!

[@Scarlett-jq4cj]

I could watch these all day. HAGS!

[@WhenItsHalfPastFive]

I think I went to that middle school, probably different year though

[@djjxm115]

I needed this

[@dandelionkisss]

I loved this

[@johannwu2307]

This is fantastic!!!!

[@lreid2495]

Fantastic. Bravo.

[@bettyreads222]

love this!

[@AcaiTiger]

You should include the name of your friend's dance channel/group/page etc! He looks really good and I would love to watch more of him!

[@Michelle-je9jk]

This is such a good video

[@lindatruong978]

this is so good.

[@Skyhi.Visuals]

Love this video

[@addiosnia]

here before this blows up

[@prithivirajgurung8931]

Thank you so much !!!

[@bencera6067]

This was great thank you

[@amateurhourresearchofself4714]

queue Buddy Ross - Running Around.

[@Oscar-yd4fb]

Great short

[@ambrosia417]

Hearing the AIM login sound is peak middle school nostalgia sound for me. *sigh*

[@lac29]

Love this.

[@roboshea]

Beauty at teenage speed

[@user-sl5tt2fh3p]

As someone has already said, this is so so good. But boy, those YT end cards! WTF! I couldn't see your faces.

[@na6241]

Great film

[@taylorjohnson4943]

My junior year book photos scream NERD lol I own it