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 Vallarta Living | July 2006 
Viviendo en México - Graduation Celebration
 Korah Winn - PVNN
| | Impromtu graduation speech. | 
| | Getting dressed for graduation. |
As the school year is coming to an end here in Mexico, we are beginning to say many good byes. The school I teach at specializes in hiring native English speakers. These people leave their homes and families for a year to several years because they want to experience teaching in a different culture or even just simply living outside of their own country. Many people feel after teaching here a year or two that it is time to return to a "normal" life. This leads to many heartfelt despedidas (good byes).
At my school, the high school section has already finished so the upper level students and teachers have left. Before that occurred though, the school decided to have one final, full-scale teacher meeting before they finished so that specific teachers could be recognized for a "job well done," while all of their colleagues were still together.
I went to the meeting looking forward to a good meal and enjoyable conversation - but ended up walking away from it unbelievably blessed. In May, my supervisor, Lupita, found out that I missed my college graduation ceremony in order to accept the teaching position here. She felt terrible that this was the case, so the semana (week) that my graduation occurred, she presented me with flowers from the school to congratulate me.
Once that happened, I did not think about my graduation much more, because I was so busy settling into the new job. But at the teachers' meeting, my graduation was brought to the forefront of my mind. I was sitting in my seat listening to different teachers get called up front to receive recognition for service, when all of a sudden, I heard my name called.
I actually started a bit because I had gotten comfortable where I was seated. I knew there was no way they were going to call up someone who had only been at the school for such a short time. It was kind of like being at a fancy award night knowing for certain that you are not going to win.
Everyone at the table encouraged me to go to the platform and accept my award. I was floored when Lety, the fourth grade teacher, produced a cap and gown and proceeded to put it on me right then and there in front of the whole group. Lupita gave me heartfelt congratulations for graduating college, then she presented me with a faux diploma from Lincoln school.
Everyone clapped loudly and whistled as I stood there in a state of shock. I began to walk away, but they told me I could not leave the stage until I made a speech. I took two seconds for myself, then told them, through tears, that what they did for me blessed me beyond belief.
Living in Mexico had not always been easy, but the bondad (kindness) that I have been shown by so many people make the hard times melt away. I have met so many loving, caring individuals. These people are what will be cemented in my mind every time I think of Mexico. The stereotypes are gone, only to be replaced by memories of incredible people who have shown me bondad beyond what was expected of them.
They gave me hugs and told me I had to throw my cap in the air as high as I could in order to celebrate. It was a great moment. I now have so many stories to share about the kindness of the Mexican people. I hope that as you have read some of these past articles, that a few of them will stick with you and it will be easier to remember the kindness and generosity of Mexicans instead of believing the stereotypes. |
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