Daaa Da Da Da Dummmm Dummm...

It's starting to look like spring, despite the brutal cold, and along with spring comes Graduation!  All this week we've been practicing for two hours a day.  It's the most elaborate middle school graduation ceremony I've ever seen.  They make these poor kids practice the songs over and over again, even though they can barely move their fingers - it's that cold.  I'm pretty miserable doing nothing.  But when I asked my J.E.T. (Japanese English Teacher) what the big deal was when one student didn't say "hai" loud enough, she told me that middle school graduation is a big deal because it isn't mandatory for the kids to continue onto high school!!  I mean, 97% of them do go onto high school, but it's their choice to, not the government's.  These 14 and 15 year olds could just stop learning now.  That's crazy to me!  I'm not sure for the reason why.  Maybe way back when they needed the kids to work in the rice paddies.  But why the precedent still remains is a mystery to me.  Luckily, I think everyone of my Hirono sannensei (3rd year students) is furthering their education.  Some of my favs have even gotten into some really good schools.  I'm so proud of them!