Gifts Galore and Graduation

Someone from church recently gave me a Kindle Fire as a graduation present. That was so nice of them! I will definitely bring it with me to Germany, and what impressed me the most was that someone actually took the time to think, "What gift will be useful to her?" (Not implying that others didn't--after all, it's the thought that counts). Other presents I received included a necklace, a few cards, useful college items, and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Nobles from my retired kindergarten teacher, whom I've volunteered with for over 4 years.

It seems that in America, graduation is a huge deal. Grandparents, great-grandparents, and distant relatives all come to support their child that is graduating. But in China, graduation doesn't even exist! The last time your high school class is ever together is after the "final test," similar to the SAT/ACTs here in the United States. That's just utterly depressing to me. China's horrible education system is part of the reason I really want to major in Education Policy as well.

Anyways, I guess that's also why my parents don't really know what to do for my graduation--and honestly, they didn't look really enthusiastic, which made me pretty sad. My dad didn't even attend his own graduation in college (here in the US), since he didn't think it was that important. I guess that warrants some slack on his part.

Sometimes, I feel like I miss out on a lot of "American" things, since my family is so infused with Chinese thinking. Like, couldn't they just pretend that day was special? Oh well, I'm over it now though. But I'll be sure my kids in the future will feel the love on that day :)

[I know, I know, I think way too far in advance. It's a typical thing that many Chinese people do--although many non-Chinese people do it too! And I can't help it anyways, since kids are so awesome and cute].