2016年3月4日金曜日

卒業式:おめでとうございます


Sarah’s Blog Post 22: March 4, 2016


Congratulations to the Fujimura Girls’ High School Class of 2016. That is what we would say to the graduating class of seniors in the United States. I am so proud of each of our students and know that they will be leaving school to do great things. Since my arrival in August, I have come to know how dedicated Fujimura girls can be and it is inspiring. Even though I didn’t teach any third year classes, I got to meet some of the third years in International Club. I am very sad that we won’t get to see them next year, but I am very happy for them. I wish all of the graduating third years good luck in their future endeavors and am excited for all of the new third years (this year’s second years) to begin their final year of school next month.

 
Graduation in the United States, much like many other things, is much louder than in Japan. Parents and friends clap for each student as they receive their diplomas, and almost every graduation ceremony plays “Pomp and Circumstance” in the background. Since many schools do not have uniforms, we wear a graduation cap and graduation gown over our clothes. Both boys and girls wear the same graduation cap and gown. I am not sure about other Japanese schools, but in the United States, it is common for graduation ceremonies to be held outside as well. My graduating class was about 600 students, so it would have been difficult to fit everyone inside of our gym. The biggest difference is that graduation occurs in late May or the middle of June in the United States. Despite these differences, the feelings are very much the same. We cry because we are sad to leave and we are happy because of everything that has been accomplished.

 

So, I would like to say congratulations, one last time.

Graduation


This week I was attended the high school graduation and it was sad to see the third-years go. Although I could only understand some of what was being said, it was nice to be there for this important event. Throughout the day, I found myself reminiscing of my own high school graduation. One thing I noticed that was a bit different between my high school graduation and Fujimura’s is the order of what takes place at the ceremony. Here the diplomas and awards were given out first and the speeches were done towards the end of the event. Whereas my own graduation was quite the opposite; the speeches are given at the beginning and the awards are given out at the end. Regardless of the minute details, the ceremonies share the same purpose: to honor and celebrate the graduating students. My favorite part of the ceremony was getting to clap for the students as they walked out of the gym. Seeing these students and the range of emotions on their faces made me proud of them even if I don’t know them very well. After the processions were done, I was fortunate to be able to say a last congratulations and farewell to the seniors who were in the International Club. I’m excited for their next phase in life where they’ll get to know themselves a little better with each challenge and success. All in all, I hope for the best the graduated students and I am glad I was able to see a graduation ceremony in Japan.