Small but Personal

This year's graduation for Ryan was rather different from the previous ones he had back home in Malaysia. As far as we can remembered, the couple we attended back home was `large' scale events. Held in concert halls or auditoriums, attended by hundreds of students from every class and age group and parents alike. Students from every age group were guided and trained for weeks leading up to the graduation event to perform while teachers and management take every effort to ensure that costumes, props and the venue besides logistics are well thought out to ensure a smooth and successful graduation memory for the students and parents alike. I must said that we, just like very parent sitting there at the event, were extremely proud when our child marched onto the stage and go through every move and motion to the rhythm of the song that they and the teachers have so painstakingly practiced for weeks.

But this year, we had a different sort of graduation feel for Ryan at Ivy Academy. We came expecting another grand event, just like the one we had back home. Instead, we were ushered into a medium size room with just enough chairs for 50 odd people. There were no stage, no elaborate decorations or props. Just a rostrum and a roll of small chairs neatly arranged in a row by the side with the our children's name written on them.

There was no elaborate speech. The graduation was only for Ryan's age group and there were only about 20 of them (some of whom have already left the country just before the event). The performance put up by the children was far from flawless but one thing was for sure, you can see the children  and the teacher having fun doing it.

It was simple but what amazed us and thoroughly touched our heart was how personal the event was and the teacher towards the children.

As the video showing clips and pictures of the children was shown, one thing was clear. As much as the children featured were excited, all three teachers were equally attached emotionally, touched, teary eyed and cried. At that instance, one can sensed their passion and their love for not only their job but for every child in that room as they relive those moments that they have spent together.

 When the lead teacher, "Uncle" Jeff took up the microphone, he could hardly composed himself and speak. His voice shivered as he spoke of how each child in the class reminded him why he was there in the first place and reignite his passion daily to help and guide this group of little but growing minds.

As each child was being called up to receive their graduation certificate, the lead teacher took the time and opportunity to share the unique character of each child. You can see tears swelling up in the eyes of almost every parent as their child stood in front of the class to receive his/her certificate. I was and I was darn sure that my wife was too.

I particularly love this shot I captured of Ryan looking up into the eyes of his `favourite' teacher, Jeff and how Jeff put his arms around my son, almost father like. They have a very special bond, one that some teachers, unfortunately have forgotten to build in their quest to educate the young minds under their charge and to excel as the star teacher who could train up the smartest and well behaved child.

There were no Star child awards. There was no Best Student award nor was there a Most Improved Student award. We needed none, because every child who was sitting there that day and who so proudly walked up to received his/her certificate is a star student in his/her own right, unique with their own individual personality, talent and vast amount of untapped potential.

As Jeff shared with us, when we met him, "Don't curb the energy of the young ones nor see their curiosity to try new things as not being well behaved. Instead help them to channel their energy in a positive manner and encourage curiosity to explore." And that is something that we are learning as parents everyday.

Yes. This graduation was SMALL and pale in comparison to those we had before but this graduation IS PERSONAL and PASSIONATE.