Graduation and other news...

Ok, there has been far far too much going on lately. In short, I was accepted to UCLA and the University of Washington, got some fabulous financial aid offers back, and of course, went to South Korea. But that was the weekend and this is today. Since South Korea requires more thought and time than I have the ability to give right now, let's save that for later, shall we?

Today was graduation at most of the junior highs around Niigata. In some ways, it was fairly similar to the U.S. - there were speeches made, names called, songs sung, yearbooks signed, pictures taken. But in other ways, it was totally different. Like how all of the students, teachers, PTA members, and parents were totally silent through the entire two-hour ceremony. Or the profuse amount of bowing on the part of everyone concerned. But all in all, it was fun. It was sad to see the third-years go. But I wish them the best in high school and beyond. A few mementos:


In their last minutes of junior high
Originally uploaded by kristi-san.

Graduation, Kamo Jr. High
Originally uploaded by kristi-san.

Third Grade Teachers, Kamo Jr. High
Originally uploaded by kristi-san.

I feel the need to mention that both the female teachers in that last picture are wearing fake hair extensions - their real hair is actually quite short. Fun stuff.

Anyway, I'm off to the graduation nomikai (drinking party). Should be interesting. ;) More to come...