Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Graduation Day 2012
Today was Graduation Day at school. The most bittersweet of all school days. Joyful that the kids made it to graduation! Despite their disabilities, their medical issues and/or behavior concerns, they have achieved something tangible, something real: a high school diploma. I remember once years back, one of my students was the first in his family to get a diploma. Sad because you know that the students you have taught, nursed and nurtured, developed deep friendships with and at times fought for are moving on to the next stage in their lives. One that you likely will no longer regularly be a part of. Tomorrow afternoon we will put those students on the bus for the final time and some tears will be shed as good-byes are said. The wheel of life spins onward.
Today Jorge, a student I have known for a decade and one of mine for the past three years graduated. His mother asked if I would speak on his behalf. What follows is what I wrote and what was said.
The Principal's Introductory Remarks
Jorge came to Rosedale in 2002. He quickly became well known around campus for his gregarious grin and gleeful laughter. Like many young men, Jorge enjoys slapstick humor. Having an awkward and at times clumsy teacher for the past few years meant many days full of laughter. He loves to use an adaptive switch with his head or his hand to read stories on the computer in English or Spanish. A Spanish story about “El Chupacabra” is always a favorite. He enjoys everything and is a hard worker. He is a great delivery person. Whether he is delivering mail downtown at the school district administration offices, or supplies to classrooms you are guaranteed to receive your delivery with a huge smile. After graduation, Jorge will continue to live at home with his family. With his family and friends he will continue to participate in a variety of community activities.
My Graduation Remarks
I am honored that Jorge’s mother Sra. Ugarte requested that I speak on behalf of her son today. I thank her and all of Jorge’s family for sharing him with us for all these years.
I would like to begin with a story of achievement and one of. . . well, not achievement. At Jorge’s final annual ARD meeting this spring, all agreed that Jorge understands English as well as he understands Spanish. While he speaks neither, over the past few years Jorge has truly become fluent comprehending a second language. This is a case of the student surpassing the teacher. I have not made equal progress and I regret that I cannot deliver these remarks in the first language of Jorge and his family. I thank my fellow teacher, Claudia for translating this into Spanish for Jorge’s family.
I remember meeting Jorge when he began at Rosedale as a student in Dedra Standish’s classroom. I immediately recognized him as a friendly and handsome young man with twinkling brown eyes and a contagious smile. However, when I think about Jorge my first thoughts are not about seeing him for the first time, but hearing him. It was a few years later, during our school musical jamboree sessions that I really began to get to know Jorge. On Friday afternoons I play guitar and sing for the students along with any coworkers I can convince or coerce to join me. The jamboree is more cacophony than symphony, students are encouraged to join the band, to dance, to sing and to play along on whatever they can strum, shake, or bang. One day many years ago, I remember hearing Jorge’s loud exuberant shouts of “ayaaauh” above the gleeful noise. I remember wondering, “Who’s that?” I looked across the room and saw Jorge sitting in the front row, smiling from ear to ear, singing as loudly as he could. It was at that moment I began to experience for myself the contagious joy Jorge brings to and shares with the world.
For the past few years I have been fortunate to be Jorge’s teacher. I have been more fortunate to be Jorge’s student. Jorge teaches there is joy in all things great or small. Jorge greets each day like he greets each person, with a huge smile. When Jorge does something, he does it enthusiastically, with gusto!
When you first look at Jorge it is easy to perceive a person with significant disabilities. Don’t let appearances fool you. And don’t try to tell Jorge. I doubt he would believe you. Jorge recognizes that he does things differently. He may look a little different than other people. He may do things in a different way. But so what? Many people look and do things differently. And we all need help from somebody from time to time. So what’s the big deal if Jorge, like the Beatles sang, “gets by with a little help from his friends”?
Jorge embodies and teaches the power of the human spirit. He teaches perseverance. Jorge teaches that although the challenge may be great and the obstacles may seem insurmountable, you don’t stop. You always try your best and give your all with joy in your heart and a smile on your face. Jorge teaches, as Monty Python taught years ago, “Always look on the bright side of life.”
(CUE JORGE W/ ADAPTIVE SWITCH) I presented Jorge with an adaptive switch that he activates by pressing it with his cheek. The switch is connected to my Macbook. When he presses it, it triggers a clip from the Monty Python song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” to play through the school PA and Jorge "sings":
And. . . always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life.
If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing.
And. . . always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life.
Keep looking on the bright side Jorge. I know that you will.
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