Yesterday, I saw another generation of students walk out of this school and into a new chapter of their lives. This being the fourth Japanese graduation ceremony I’ve ever attended, I brought a handkerchief with me just in case a few teardrops would run down my face (as per custom). Fortunately, unlike Wednesday's practice ceremony, I was able to keep it together. The thing that separates this particular ceremony from my prior three is the fact that I was able to see these kids grow and change throughout their entire junior high school experience.
A lot of things take place in just three years, and it’s incredible to be able to observe and truly notice just how much people and things change on a day-to-day basis throughout that period. Sitting there clapping as each of the 241 graduates walked past me on their way out of the gym, where we had played basketball and cleaned together hundreds of times, was like watching a slow motion movie of all sorts of memories.
Above all though, I think one of the main lessons you come to learn as your teacher’s experience prolongs longer and longer is that saying ‘sayonara’ is simply another way of saying ‘Hello!’ to the newest version of the students you once welcomed into your life. In that sense, it becomes easier to see just how far you can perceive each of them will go after having seen them evolve not just in their studies, but more importantly... as individuals.
Like in any school and class, there are plenty of students who can lead, and those can only follow. Those who can inspire change, and those who will uphold their own stubbornness above all else for years to come. Those who will accept the status quo as it is, and those who will attempt to mend it into something more suitable. Those from whom you'll hear from and possibly see again, and those from whom you likely won't.
Like in any school and class, there are plenty of students who can lead, and those can only follow. Those who can inspire change, and those who will uphold their own stubbornness above all else for years to come. Those who will accept the status quo as it is, and those who will attempt to mend it into something more suitable. Those from whom you'll hear from and possibly see again, and those from whom you likely won't.
In short, the teaching voyage let’s you get quick glimpses into what the future could hold. When time allows, you play your best cards hoping that at least one among the pack will listen to the type of advice you’ve gained from hard-earned experience. You teach what you can, and unexpectedly learn a thing or two about something you never thought you could or would.
In the end, you look back only to realize that...
For what it’s worth, all of it was worth the while...
(and if you follow the Greenday reference here...)
(and if you follow the Greenday reference here...)
It’s something unforgettable,
but in the end it’s clear,
You hope they have the time of their life.
The next chapter is waiting.
