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.
