Graduation Ceremony

Uwe, Astrid and I attended the graduation ceremony for the 5th graders today. One by one each kid stood up, said their name and what they want to be when they grow up. It was very touching hearing the hopes and dreams of these young kids. Many said they wanted to be a professional athlete (NBA basketball player, a major league baseball player, an NFL football player), a teacher, doctor, nurse, actor (yes, we live in LA), etc.

But one kid's ambition in life tickled me. He stood up and announced he wanted to be a metal drummer when he grows up. He is a little character already. During the school year I would see him on campus wearing his black heavy metal t-shirts and hard rock hairstyle marching to the beat of a different drum. So it makes sense that he wants to be a drummer!

These ceremonies are for the kids but they're also for all the adults (teachers, staff, parents, grandparents). We all sat in that auditorium smiling, clapping, feeling all that promise and hope in the air, with warm hearts.Here we are with my kids. (If you look closely you can see Astrid in her stroller. Mommy's holding flowers that a student's mom brought for her. Uwe wanted to stay but unfortunately after the ceremony was over he had to rush to a meeting.) Look at my kids all dressed up. ahhhh. This marks the end of my first year as a teacher. I feel grateful that I got the opportunity to teach to a great bunch of kids and they in turn left a lasting imprint on my heart.