AuburnChick's Adventures

Last night, I attended my first graduation as a teacher.

I watched my four seniors receive their diplomas and become full-time college students and adventurers-at-large.

The ceremony was…um…how do I say it…um…interesting.

Because I teach at a small school, there are a lot of traditions that are very different from large, public schools.

Graduation was no exception.

For instance, my school uses graduation as an all-in-one affair to celebrate ALL of the students’ accomplishments…from Pre-K through 12th grade.

That made for three hours of watching little ones graduate from their respective grades, lots of awards being given out, and, finally, the seniors’ graduation.

The school had rented out a large conference room at my local college, so all of us sat in chairs…behind tables.

That was also a first.

People talked during the entire program…another first.

It was neat to see all of my students dressed in their street clothes, as opposed to the school uniform I’d only seen them in.

The girls’ hijabs were gorgeous, as were some of the outfits they were wearing.

All of the subject area teachers gave their own various awards.  I handed out certificates for the winners of the Optimist Club’s oratorical contest.  One of my students had made it all the way to the state competition…a first for the school.  I also recognized the students who led the writing and design efforts of the school newspaper, which I headed up.

When the traditional graduation music began playing for my seniors, I couldn’t help but think about the connection I had with each of them.  Although I had only taught them for one year, I knew them very well.  Teaching at a small school allows teachers to really know each student’s unique personality.

I was most touched as I watched the school’s math teacher collect his son in a couple of large, long bear hugs.  His son was the only boy in the graduating class.  The teacher does not typically show a lot of emotion, but he sure did last night!!  This was the first of his four children who will be graduating from this school…two more of which will follow in the next two years.  I cannot imagine how emotional that must be.

It was an interesting evening, made so both by the diverse culture that I am privileged to teach in as well as the newness of the teaching experience itself.

I wish my graduates many blessings for the years that lie ahead.  They are extremely driven, intelligent individuals, so I am confident that I will be hearing about their accomplishments in the future.

Congratulations, graduates!

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: teaching |