It's not "Sayonara", it's "See you later
All good things have to come to an end at some point, and after half a year of teaching some of the most amazing, funny and generally awesome kids, they are growing up and leaving me! Today they came in to give us mainly good news about their highschool results, and sometimes bad news. Thankfully, it was mostly good, and they got into their highschool of choice!
So, yesterday was my first junior high graduation ceremony. Until Monday, I hadn't really been sure what to expect, and after sitting through the practice session, it made me quite nervous for what was to come! Not for the actual ceremony itself - that was relatively boring for the most part, like any of these things are (I'm allowed to say that... I was bored at my OWN graduation!) with many, many speeches given in a language that I can thankfully cut off, unlike if it were in English (I suffered terribly when I came back from ICU last time because I had forgotten how to shut other people's conversations out) No, the part I was most worried about was my student's parents, as it would be the first time they had seen me and I was really quite worried about making a bad impression... even though I'd never see these people again! It was so bad actually, that I didn't really get the best of night's sleep I've ever had before the event - more of a tossing and turning night!
The one part of the ceremony I was GREATLY looking forward to was the singing. Whilst some of the songs would be sung by both the graduating classes and the rest of the school, one of the songs would be sang solely by the 3rd years. I had never realised until the practice session what beautiful voices they all have! Granted, the acapella version went a *little* wobbly yesterday, since more than a few of the girls were crying their eyes out. But it was still utterly beautiful, and when they started singing about how even though we're parting ways, we'll still be able to meet under the same sky as always... it definitely brought tears to my eyes.
After the ceremony (which felt terribly long at times, as we were all in the freezing cold gym), each class went to their homeroom to recieve their certificates proper (they get given them at the ceremony too, but then put them in a tray ready to take up to the class so they don't get damaged - much like university!) and say their final farewells. Since I'm not a homeroom teacher, I sort of meandered through each one of the classes in turn - taking a picture with one (3-1 my favourite class!), delivering a graduation message to another and so on. It was suprisingly difficult to give my message, since I was a) in front of all their parents b) nearly crying but I managed to win them over and shock them by giving the message in both Japanese and English. This pulled shocked gasps from everyone... guys... seriously. I've taught you for a year now, and you STILL forget I understand you! After giving my message to 3-3, having a bit of a cry and shaking hands and taking pictures with some of the students, I wandered over to 3-1, where the majority of the formalities were over, and they were taking a big group picture. I hoped to sneak in and get a decent picture of them, but was spotted. This class is my favourite because it cheers EVERYTIME I walk in the room! \o/ So, I was greeted with a huge "LINDSEY!!!!!" and forced into the picture with them. Which then started a "fight" as one group of boys vied for the space next to me. This is a regular occurence in this particular class, but one of the mothers did NOT seem happy with it! Haha.
Sadly, I don't have a copy of the big group picture, and I haven't got a clue who to get it from T_T I may have to ask the homeroom teacher and see if he knows.
It was also in this class, where my one big wish of the year was fufilled! I GOTS ME A BUTTON! Haha, if you're not familiar with Japanese culture, when you graduate, it's common to recieve the second button of a boy's jacket if he likes you. I've always joked this year that I'd be pissed if I didn't get one from at least one of the boys in this school, since they have essentially stalked me through the corridors all year. Anyway, Yamaguchi Shinya, one of the... loudest boys turned around to me today and told me he loved me after we finished taking the group picture. I jokingly pointed to his jacket and said "Well, give me your button then" ... to which he very enthusiastically tore the button from his jacket and gave me it! BWAHAHAHA~ His friends were then disappointed they hadn't thought of this and so, I got their name badges from their desk instead and a pencil board XD..
So, we'll cut to the school gates, where we are waving off our students, taking pictures with them, taking pictures OF them etc. I finally managed to get Herman to smile (Full name Nakamura-Herman Andrew Kenji as I have finally discovered... I had all the names bar Andrew!) and actually speak to me... sort of. He was mainly laughing at Yamaguchi and co. as they asked for pictures, handshakes, and finally hugs. Oh and a kiss, to which I politely refused XD He also doubled over laughing when Yamaguchi came running up behind me and PICKED ME UP BRIDAL STYLE. WHAT. Sadly, no pictures of that, since I was the only one carrying a camera at the time! Oh my silly, silly san-nen boys.
All in all, I've really loved teaching this year, and I'm utterly devastated to see them go. I can only hope that we stick to what was agreed whilst we spoke together - it really isn't sayonara, only see you later. Who knows, Sasebo is a small town - I'm sure we'll see each other again, and I can be the old, embarrassing school teacher who hassles them in front of their new friends!
There's some more pictures (I didn't want to flood this post!) on my facebook here - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155132&id=515296193&l=e659cec93d
It's going to be so quiet without the 3rd years....