The last of the graduations for this week was held today – a total of two kindergarten graduations and one at the local elementary school. It’s been a long week, to say the least! 🙂
Those of you who have never been to Japan may think it’s strange to have graduations now. But the school year begins in April and ends in March. After a couple of weeks of spring break, the kids start the new year.
This is probably my favorite season of the whole year. (And not just because it’s my b-day month!) As the school year comes to an end, the Japanese plum and peach trees are usually in full bloom. Then when school begins again, the Japanese cherry trees (or sakura) bloom… and they are BEAUTIFUL!!
Another reason it’s my favorite is seeing how much all the kids have grown. The parents are all watching their own children, while the teachers and I are watching ALL the children. (So, yes, I cried at all three ceremonies… nothing new! 🙂 ) All the kids are full of hopes and dreams and are eager to start the next chapter of their lives.
This year, some of the kids wrote letters of thanks, talking about how much they enjoyed English classes and how they want to continue learning the language in the future. (I even had a few this time who told me they want to grow up to be English teachers!) No matter how hectic schedules get and stressful life can become, comments like this from them make it all worth it!! 🙂
It’s my hope that I made a positive impact on their lives just as my teachers had on me! It’ll be interesting to see what life has in store for them. 🙂
And so, another school year ends. Am looking forward to seeing the sakura trees in full bloom and all the new little ones who’ll start classes from next month!
The Life of a Boiled Egg 