Rachel T.

Cea
RWS 11

2018 Moving-Up Ceremony

On the 27th of March, of the year 2018, parents and guests gathered on the annual Moving-up
Ceremony held at the prestigious hall of the Ajial Bilingual School located at Reggae, State of Kuwait.
Each and every one was delighted and proud as they witness the gratifying moment of the class of
Grade 6 and 10 students from The New Kuwait Philippines International School as they approach the
stage with heart-whelming smiles painted in their faces. It was a precious moment not only for the parents
but for the children itself—to be able to stand proud at the stage, in front of hundred of people, with the
glorious diploma at hand, who won’t feel overwhelmed?
I clearly remember as I stepped at the enormous hall on that specific day, there goes the familiar
vibes that creeps unto my system as my senses activated various familiar scent and scenes that played on
my head for the next few minutes. However, it still felt surreal to be in that the same spot in the same
place but with different set of people around me, all indulged with lavishing attires, formal-casual wear
and splendid bright auras.
With my family and some family friends with me, in bliss they accompanied me on that special
day of mines. I can still recall how both my loving mother and father guided me as I receive my diploma
as well as some awards, I obtained that night. Together, we rejoice for I finally took a grasp of the fruit of
my own hard work—it may not be as grand and abundant as they expected it to be, but the effort exerted,
and the hard work granted for me to reach that spot is more than enough to begin with.
Guest speaker, Hon. Charleson C. Hermosura, the Vice-Consul of the Philippine Embassy in
Kuwait, shared an inspiring speech for all the students as well as parents present in the event. He
contributed a piece of his thoughts for everyone and recollected some part of his past to relate on our
current situation. On that the same day, I witnessed my fellow classmates and schoolmates make the
whole place lively and high-spirited as they present their awe-inspiring speeches.
Accompanied by our respectable teachers aside from our admirable advisers, the entire program
flew by fast and before I even realize it, we are now on the least anticipated but the most memorable part
of the whole program. It was in chaos—at least more organized than before—and I was in all awkward
smiles when what it felt like hundreds of cameras were all focused on us, ready to capture such an
unforgettable moment. To start with, the elementary kids did an exceptional performance and
harmonizing for their Moving-Up song which made me more nervous and tenser. But just like how it was,
we eventually sang and all I can remember was the off-tune singing somewhere behind me—or it was
probably me. With all my might, I sang “Flashlight” just as how I memorized it from the past few days
before the ceremony. I wasn’t the best but also not the worst, so I was quite confident about it but bet it,
they were probably more confident than I am, and it was probably the longest three minutes of my life.
I attended graduations back when I was in Preparatory and Elementary but what made this the
most memorable was the people that made up our class. For the past four years of high school, their faces
linger in my memory that to consider half of us are going to pursue their education in the Philippines is
heart-breaking. Most of the imperishable memories were all made in high school; the roller coaster ride
that eventually everyone on their adolescent period had to endure but at the same time will enjoy and as I
said, it was a familiar vibe but with different feeling.