Cue the Pomp and Circumstance, it’s that time of the year again! To be very honest with you, I was never a huge fan of graduation ceremonies. My high school one took place outside in 90+ degree (F) weather where I was more worried about dying from heatstroke and I got COVID from my college commencement last year. So yeah, not a great track record so far. Yesterday, I attended another graduation ceremony. But this time, not as a student or spectator, but sitting with all the other teachers. I don’t think that was on my bucket list, but I’ll check it off as another one of the experiences on JET. Below are some of the differences I noted between graduations in Japan and back home in the US.
I hope you like bowing, because there will be a lot of it. I lost track of how many times I got out of my chair to bow. Difference number one.
All students attended the event, even if they weren’t graduating. I’m guessing they’re pretty happy about not having to go to class. Difference number two.
Interestingly, the school year doesn’t end when graduation happens. It seems like there are a few more classes to go before non-graduating students go on Spring break. Back in the US graduation happens after everyone is done taking exams and presentations. Difference number three.
Graduation didn’t happen in some large fancy stadium. Instead, it took place in the school gym. Perfect I think for students and their parents to take pictures and celebrate another milestone. Difference number four.
This one is probably more specific to my high school, but I don’t believe I saw special seating for the top 10 students of the graduating class. No special desigination for the valedictorian.
Things that were the same? Speeches, entrance and exit march by the graduating students, and celebratory music graciously provided by the school band. Commencement speeches are something that I have mixed feelings about. I don’t want to hear about how the speaker overcame some problem. I don’t want to hear about how our future is bright and how we can overcome everything. Because truth is, life is tough, and things won’t go the way you want them to. Personally, my favorite commencement speech has to be “This is water” by David Foster Wallace. Hit me with the harsh reality and truths of adult life. Because we aren’t magical creatures of wizards and witches that can wave our wands, chant spells, and fix the world.
Unfortunately, as my pred was at the school for 6 years, I didn’t get to know the 6th year students all that well. I almost always handle the junior high classes and never teach high school students except for one class with ~15 6th year students. Such is the life of an ALT. Enjoying the ESID experience where things don’t work out the way you expect them to and going with the flow. I have a lot to say about my ESID experience, but that’s another post for another time.