Younger students who danced in traditional dress.
Two of the guys who picked traditional wear.
Svitlana, Myself, Vice Principle Louda, My counterpart Halyna
Little students pinning on tiny bells to celebrate "Last Bell"
Graduation cake at the party.
Monday there was not school because of the Green Day. Tuesday I had off because my counterpart didn’t think students would focus enough to listen to me. Man, she really isn’t paying attention in my average class. Wednesday was the last day of classes. The normal throw the ball around the class and ask different questions followed by many games of Hangman. Also got some games of heads up, 7 up with the younger students.
Last Bell was Thursday morning. It was at 9 in the morning. The celebration is held right outside the front door of the school. Students are presented with sashes that say graduate on them. Also students who achieved different academic accomplishments through competitions with other schools in the district are recognized with certificates. The school flag is also passed from the current graduating 11th form to the 10th formers who will rule the school next year. Flowers are also giving from the students to the teachers thanking them for their work.
The last thing done outside during the celebration is one of the graduating 11th form boys hoists a 1st form girl on his shoulder and parades her around as she rings the ‘last bell.’ The 11th formers marched back into the school for the ‘last class’ with parents and former teachers as guests. There the homeroom teacher, who has been with these students since 5th form, shares about the class and wishes them well in the future. I was the 11th B class, they had prepared a slideshow as well as the teacher read short stories that the students wrote when they were in 5th form about what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Next teachers who have taught the students in different subjects stood and wished them things for the future. I was surprised to see some of the boy’s eyes even welling up, but it was clear that this class was really enjoyed by all the teachers. They had me speak. I kept it short because I’m not one to like to talk in front of parents and other teachers. I had to wrap it up because I felt myself getting emotional. It just exciting to see students feel so accomplished by finishing school and moving on to their next big adventure. After the students made their well wishes, parents went to the front of the class to wish them all well. I got the teariest during this. I just couldn’t help it with very proud and tearful Ukrainian moms talking.
After finishing up at school, a group of teachers headed to a local café to have lunch and celebrate the year officially finishing up. For some reason the male teachers didn’t attend so it was a group of 20 women and the male school director. I passed on the vodka explaining I didn’t want to drink and before I knew it I was getting poured many shots of wine. Apparently wine in Ukraine is not alcohol.
Friday, I lounged around the house before heading into Lutsk in the afternoon. Katie, Jon and I hit up a pizza café and enjoyed sitting out on the patio. After, we wonder around in a park near the river. Before coming home, I did a little shopping at Tam-Tam (UKR Wal-mart). If for a moment I get distracted enough and not listen to other people talking, I can almost forget I’m in Ukraine. Grabbed a few things before hopping the marsuka home. I lucked out with catching a spacious marsuka. About half way through the ride a mom of two sat down in the seats in front of me. A five year old was sitting near the window while the mom sat directly in front of me holding a toddler boy. The kid was super cute and pretty interested in observing all that was around him. I started playing peek- a -boo (don’t know how to translate that in UKR) while listening to my ipod. Then for some reason I started to tear up…again couldn’t help it.
Yesterday was graduation day. It started a little behind at 5:15 in the evening and we weren’t leaving school until 8:30pm by the time the last photos were being snapped. The boys wore nice suites while the girls wore dresses (prom like dresses). Students were presented with diplomas, there were more flowers exchanged between teachers and students, parents who had helped with different things throughout the school year were recognized. Also there were a lot of interesting fashion…crimes as some would call them, check out my face book photos to understand.
All of the students, parents and teachers headed to a café near the school. Very delicious spread, plenty of alcohol, loud music, and soft cake (rare thing to find here). I just kept thinking to myself ‘really this is peace corps’ as different UKR women tried to scoop more on my plate and the men filled more than one glass with vodka (3 to be exact). I had a lot of fun. Challenged my students to translate one last thing as I gave them a good luck toast. I danced a little bit (after good amount of UKR spirits) but was still hesitant being the only American at this shindig. I called it an early night at 1am, but the party rocked on.
Overall it was an emotional week for me. I have been bummed out not to be at home to see my sister’s new baby boy Leo. I miss home a lot. Well not so much home but just missing out on the moments. Also proud, tearful moms of students many who plan to go on to university. It is closing in on a year since I graduated from North Central. Not that I wasn’t ready to graduate or that I don’t like where my life is at the moment, I do still miss the college atmosphere. I loved interesting topics, readings, class room discussions, hell even a research paper if it is an interesting topic. I also miss great friends to have good conversations with while eating a frosty or whatever special mystery meat was being survived at k-man. Just sort feel old in a way I guess and jealous of the students who are just entering their college careers.
But didn’t sulk too much in those thoughts. Today, I sat outside for a good five hours reading and day dreaming while taking in the sun. I guess it is just a preview of what my summer looks like for the most part. Hope everyone is well at home. Much love YOs.
Kate
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