High School Graduation

It’s the end of the year for the students here in Nica.  That means I have a good two-month break from working with my teachers on the Emprendedurismo course.  I went to my favorite schools graduation last night and couldn’t help to reminisce about my own high school graduation as they strutted to the podium in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas.  Unlike this Nicaraguan highschool, which is a semi-private school for high performing students from under privileged families. They students actually receive scholarships from the school if they meet certain expectations.  I went to Sabino, nick named “Snob-ino” if that gives you a clue.  Classmates of mine rolled up in beamers and I had a 96 Copper Saturn SL2 that I was in love with.  Last night a large chunk of seniors graduated with 90% average grades or higher(they go by percent instead of GPA).  I was beaming as one of my star students, Kenneth, from my Entrepreneurship course gave his valedictorian speech.  I had flash backs of my friend Jeff or “Big Red” giving his speech at my graduation.  I was sitting in the front row because I was graduating with the top 10 in my class, dorks we were, all AP students.  I can remember that feeling that sinks in to your gut when you realize just how much you have invested to get to this point.  I remember the lime green dress I wore(eeeekkkk), which somehow looked good at the time.  I remember the rhinestone sandals that I recycled from prom.  The Sabino garb was a purple robe with a gold sash, which seemed so elegant then.  I remember the beach balls bouncing amongst the crowd and tortillas flying across the 450 of us seniors spread across the football field.  I remember my boyfriend Taylor also wearing a shade of green to match me, I was so lucky to have a first love like him.  My girlfriends, my rocks, Jamie and Erin by my side and Annie was back from college to see me graduate.  My family had all come together for my important day, which made it really special.

I remember them highlighting the universities that students were attending and my name looked so cozy next to the name Texas Christian University on the program.  I had anxiety about leaving everything behind, but also knew I had an amazing summer in front of me before the move to Texas.  The rest of the ceremony was a blur with foghorns and screaming after each name.  At the end of the ceremony we threw our caps in the air and “the group” united effortlessly.  I had an amazing group of high school friends and we were inseparable: Me, Jamie, Erin C., Taylor, Aly, Erin D., Danny, Ryan, Brett, Steve.  Sooo many amazing memories 4-wheeling, camping, prom, my house in Mexico, Springbreaks, and everything else in between.  A lot of firsts with that group who has helped to shape the person I am today. 

My heart actually just skipped a beat when I realized this time next year my 10 year high school reunion will be creeping up.  I’d love to see how everyone is doing out there in the real world.

Then came the after-party at my house of course.  I remember things blowing way out of control.  It was supposed to be a smaller party where everyone could crash and spend the night if they drank.  I remember at one point my brother, boyfriend and Dad having to turn people away at the front door.  I thought my Dad was going to freak when a guy friend of mine, Alex, brought an ice-looge!  Dadio was actually totally cool and got us a folding table so we could position the louge by the pool so any run off wouldn’t stain the flagstone ha ha.  What an awesome night-My bro, his friends, my friends and family all having a very memorable time together. 

Back to Nica.  I know these kids have a very different night ahead of them after they receive their diplomas.  They are still just as rowdy and the teachers continually try to get them to be quite and stop rearranging their chairs during the ceremony.  I am so proud of how hard they have worked all year.  Only a portion of these students will study at a university, but I know all of them will have success in their own way.  I was proud to see that one of my entrepreneurial groups took advantage of the occasion to sell their products, a broom made from coconut leaves, but decorated in holiday ribbon.  Much like my friends and I, my students united after the ceremony in their smaller tight knit groups to take pictures.  I was honored to be pulled in to several small groups and told that It had been a pleasure to have me as their teacher and friend.  I hope that their motivation and passion never dies.  I would really love to truly believe that my presence during their senior has made some kind of difference in how they view themselves as potential leaders, no matter how small.  My counterpart that I work with, Professora Silvia, is one of a kind.  I surprised her with a certificate that I made and had the administration present to her at the graduation for all of her hard work and dedication to the Emprendedurismo course.  She is a pleasure to work with and is an amazing teacher who gives tough love to her students, which I feel is very hard to find here.  I think back on my “tough love” high school teachers and they are the ones I respected and learned the most from.

Escoba Plus- the group that made the brooms out of coco leaves

I thought about how proud their parents must be because I know I am incredibly proud as one of their teachers.  I wonder who they will grow up to be and if they have a desie to make an impact on their country like I do.  I wonder if they really even understand they significance of my presence here in Nica.  And then one of my young girl students comes up to me asnd says, “We are truly blessed to have you here in our country helping our people.  It’s been my pleasure to have you in my life.”