#179
Graduation graphic. Photo courtesy google vector silhouette
As referenced in last year’s The Class of 2020 blog post from May 2020, the Grade Twelve graduation ceremony is a highlight of the school year. This year, it holds greater significance for me as my daughter is in the Class of 2021.
Unfortunately, the M’KIS Class of 2021 graduation will be an on-line event via Zoom as the SOPs associated with the current MCO (Movement Control Order) in Malaysia precludes an in person graduation.
In the absence of a typical graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020, each graduate was asked to nominate an educator to write them a letter to mark them reaching the milestone. We were encouraged to share memories, wise words of wisdom and more. I was particularly honoured that one of my former Grade Three students chose me to write him a letter. Aside from reflecting on his time in our class, our school and giving advice for the future, I felt it important to not just offer congratulations upon graduating, but to also acknowledge the unprecedented times. My two page letter included the following paragraph: “As with all transitions, there is always a sense of discombobulation. For the graduating class, it is the bittersweet feelings as Grade Twelve draws to an end and the next adventure is yet to start. As a member of the class of 2020, this is no doubt exacerbated by knowing that certain traditions have been denied to you. Rather than mourning what has been lost, I implore you to use this time - in preparation for when we return to normal - as an opportunity to reflect, set goals and endeavour to become even better.” These words continue to be relevant for the Class of 2021.
At this juncture in time, I wish to share three pertinent quotes.
In gratitude to all those who have supported my daughter and helped raise her to be the amazing young woman she is, this oft quoted Nigerian proverb is apt.
Despite the reality that often the focus is on asking our graduates, “What next?”, I share this quote from Buddha to remind her and the graduating class of the importance of living in and enjoying (albeit on Zoom) this rite of passage.
In honour of this bitter-sweet time and one in which there are lots of changes on the horizon, I share Gibran’s thoughts On Children:
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
References:
Buddha “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Gibran, K. On Children
Nigerian Proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child”
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