Graduation in Year 2

This past week was graduation for kindergarten and 9th grade, and it was different in every way from last year's celebrations.  I think the greatest change is that this year I understood and accepted so much more.

Last year, for example, I was so confused as to why there were Catholic mass and culto during the graduations. I kept asking if the schools were private, thus skirting the separation of church and state. Now I understand that religion simply reins supreme in El Salvador, and education, religion, and politics are blurred together.

This year I was a participant in the graduation and not just following around my host sisters. Actually, I handed over my camera to them so they could take pictures of me! I was in the mesa de honor, which means I was responsible for handing out the diplomas and shaking every. single. little. hand. (It's ok, I brought my berry sangria hand sanitizer because I knew this was coming.)

I went to culto (on time, but we started the typical 45 minutes late) and politely abstained from talking in tongues while the pastor yelled in the mic. Geez, I really can't give the evangelists a break. It actually wasn't that bad! I know what culto entails now and I wasn't fazed by it. A year of the Jesus radio preacher and next door culto speaker distortion has really shored up my strength for respecting religious differences (even if I totally disagree with the angry screaming and no pants rule). I was happy that my students could share their special day with their main man, Dios.

I walked at the head of the parade from the culto to the school with the director and the representative from the Ministry of Education. He was a nice man and we implored him to work a little harder for our school. Like, how about a few more teachers? Enough to teach all the grades? We'll see what next year will bring. (I have some videos of the parade and culto, but I'll have to upload them when I have better internet.)

I'm notoriously silly and cheerful in my community, almost to a fault. I was a big, happy presence in the midsts of an over serious kindergarten graduation. I don't think kids should anti-smile in photos. It's just wrong. I'd crack a few jokes and get a good smile every once in a while. I think they were also terrified to walk across the stage in front of all their families.

My 9th graders were great and I was so proud to hand over their diplomas. I even gave a speech before I presented my participation diplomas for basic English class. They, in turn, presented me with a diploma. I want to frame this and hang it right next to my master's degree. Sometimes I wonder which diploma was more difficult to earn...

After the ceremony the mesa de honor ate lunch. I really enjoyed lunch. I was starving! I was so happy that the band was rented all day and kept playing during our meal so I wouldn't have to waste precious breath on conversation as I shoveled rice, chicken, and tortillas in my mouth. If you think I might be exaggerating you'd be wrong. I ate like a champ.

I scarfed down my food because I hadn't been invited to anyone's graduation party, so might as well fill up! I know that parties are a huge expense for families, and so I wasn't expecting anyone to invite me unless they really wanted me there. I walked my overstuffed butt home and almost made it when Alfredo stopped me in the street and smoothly directed me inside the house. A sneaky invite! Him and Yohanna (I suspect they are dating) had a joint graduation party and yes, I ate another plate of chicken and rice (opted out of tortillas).

I had the misfortune of sitting next to a really rude man who had just been deported from the US. He'd been there since 1999. He'd tell me a stupid story about naming his daughter after a stripper and I'd respond in Spanish with something like "Interesante," even though nothing about this man was interesting. I got the feeling that he just wanted to be a jerk because no one could understand him. Oh, and he's the pastor's brother. I bet they don't see eye to eye. He's making the camino north again on December 8. This man is honestly one of the first people I've met here that I hope doesn't make it.

Rude guy aside, I had a really great day. I'm so proud of my students and I'm proud of myself. Last year I didn't know a single person at the graduation and this year I could look out on the crowd and wave to all my friends. I'd catch the eye of a kid in my art class and make a funny face, and I know it made their day. After the ceremony I talked with the moms of my students and told them to feel proud of their kids, and they did. I hugged one of my crying students and she couldn't even talk, she just hugged me back. I guess the best way to describe how I felt yesterday would be "overflowing with love." I literally could not contain my happiness and pride, and all that after only 13 months in-site.

I think this is what Peace Corps is really about- seeing the change inside yourself.

Mesa de honor. My smile really stands out. 

Valmoris is in my art class and usually very upbeat. I think he was nervous here!

Kenny escorted his half-sister Marilu. They're super cute, if a little too serious. 

Ana has the exact same teenage angst that my sister has, so I usually make faces like this at her when she's rolling her eyes.

Me giving a speech. It was actually a good one. 

My oldest student. I'm so proud of him! His daughters are super cute, too.

Poor Ana. She can't escape me!

Over joyed parents. 

The band. Keep playing!

Ive had my camera, so of course there was a photo shoot with Aysel. 

The 9th graders with the mesa de honor. 

Gissel was crying on me.

Alfredo won a medal for having good grades. 

My kids. I'll never forget this class!