Day 83: The Graduate

March 24, 2010...a very special day for an extraordinary young boy closest to my heart...

Jarred Andrei, my firstborn, has finished the first chapter in his school life - he is now a full-pledged preschool graduate.

I can still remember like it was only yesterday when he entered the blue gate of BFCS for the very first time back in the summer of 2008.  We were "school hunting" and BFCS was the first school we visited.  From the start, he felt at home and accepted at Butuan Faith.  Even though we took him to two more schools in the city, he seemed to be set on choosing BFCS as his school.

To test the waters, he took summer classes there that year and it was very tough on him.  He would be in tears every time he had to write as he'd use both hands to do it since he wasn't used to writing.  I thought he'd give up but he didn't.  After a month, the teacher said he's ready to finally face Kinder I.

As I look back, it never ceases to amaze me how his learning development multiplied tenfold soon after that summer.  Oh sure, his English speaking ability was flawless, well, we made sure of that but he did lag behind in the other areas of development.  By the end of his Kindergarten I year, he managed to be within the top 3 of his class and survived his Filipino subject at the same time.

He faced Kindergarten II with greater confidence and even more excitement.  He worked twice as hard as he did in his first year in school.  As a result, not only did he end up acing his English Department subjects, he also clinched 5th place in the Chinese Department subjects.

Our heart was bursting with pride as he did his Salutatory address...

By the end of the ceremony, he had several awards pinned on his chest.  These blessings came as a result of God's grace and pure hard work.  I took this tough preschool journey with him and I know things weren't always easy but Jarred gave his best and reaped all the benefits in the end.

The synergy of his hardworking teachers, parental support at home and the small class size structure worked together to mold him into the wonderful young boy he is now.

Day 80: Baccalaureate Sunday

My son, Jarred Andrei, together with the entire Kindergarten II and Grade VI classes of Butuan Faith Christian School had their Baccalaureate Service at the Butuan Gospel Church.  So dashing and pretty in their maroon (Kinder) and white (Elementary) togas and caps, the soon-to-be graduates marched into the church as they were welcomed by the school heads, faculty, their parents, family members and friends.  

Both graduating classes presented uplifting Chinese songs and inspirational English pieces.  The stage mother's heart in me skipped a bit when it was my son's turn at a solo part in their English song.

The highlight of the afternoon was the inspirational talk by Pastor Joshua Ong on the theme "Leaving a Legacy".  He noted that the best legacy we can leave our children is not the material wealth that we have but rather the legacy of God and how he works in our lives.  He focused on the very important role that parents have in molding children...the home is a child's very first school and his parents are his very first teachers.  He mentioned that we need to be the models for our children in showing and giving of our 100% to God.  It is the giving of love to God with all our heart, mind, soul and might.  Anything short of that is a failure.  This is the legacy we need to leave our children for them to truly succeed in their human life.

At the end of the ceremony, it was evident how inspired everyone was and how excited they all were for their upcoming graduation on the 24th. 

Day 78: Practice

In a few days my son will be graduating from Preschool.  For the past week or so, he and his classmates have been busy practicing for their Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Exercises.  I was given a sneak peek during their final rehearsal today for their Baccalaureate this coming Sunday.

The excitement is evident in their eyes.  It was a wonder they didn't mind being asked to do their numbers over and over until they got it perfectly.  They were all bundled up with tremendous energy and vibe.  Everywhere else, the faculty and administration were busy putting up the finishing touches to the backdrop, checking the program sequence and perfecting the script.

Looking around, I was brought to my own memory flashes of graduation practice week...of which I had three: elementary, high school and college.  They all seem like a blur now but I can still remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment I had then.  I'm sure my son and his classmates feel exactly the same.