Bem-vindo To Brazil: I'm a Graduate!

On the 20th of December was my class's graduation. At 7:30pm everyone arrived at my school to participate in the graduation ceremony. They all had on their caps and gowns which looks different than what we are used to in the US. To be honest I didn't think I was going to be walking because well I didn't think I was going to graduate. This past year I wasn't an actual student but I was a person who came to sit in and listen to the classes. This is actually common in Brasil for kids who need to repeat a year. So I didn't think I was going to get a canister with something inside or dress in a cap and gown. Well, I was quite surprised when I was asked when I was asked where my cap and gown was. I hadn't gone that day to get fitted for one because I had left the night before to travel to Foz do Iguaçu. So they had an extra ready for me. I had arrived late so I quickly got into the gown and there were two ladies who were there with the company that lends the caps and gowns so they got me ready. Everyone got lined up outside the auditorium and they called every one's name and they walked and sat down. I was last because that was where my name was on all the lists ever made with my name on it. After I sat down, we started with a time capsule that was going to sit in the library for 10 years and then everyone is going to come back and read what they wrote. I was asked to write a letter too so in 10 years they are going to send to me but I told them to keep in contact on facebook and tell me if they are going to have a party. They said they would. Afterwards, we all took a picture with the time capsule. Next, after we a sat down again, they started calling names to receive diplomas. There was clapping and cheering and tears and photos. Mine didn't have a diploma in it but instead had my declaration of participation in school I had asked for. Oh, by the way, their diplomas come inside these tubes that usually say something like High School and/or graduates. We also got a rose and also a mug with a little matching spoon. It was really nice. Afterwards, a girl received a certificate of merit and two students in my class spoke a little and then the coordinators Antonio and Angela both spoke as well as our principal, Randal. It was an emotional time for some people. Next, we all stood up and through our caps in the air and cheered. It was really fun and it made me kind of sad that everything was ending so soon. It felt like I had just gotten started and now I'm winding down and preparing to go home. Before we went home, we all signed the outside of the time capsule.

Now everyone rushed home to change and fix makeup and hair to go to the party. This is where the lovely dress I bought comes into play. I showed my family my canister and my host mom opened it. There was also a note to read. I didn't have time to read it because I had to get ready because the party was going to start soon. So I got my dress on and my host mom helped with the zipper. We took some pictures and then my friend Thais arrived to take me to the party. The party was really nicely done. The DJ played really great music. It was just one type but various types so it didn't get boring. The only problem was the food. No one really like the food and to be honest me neither. It just didn't seem very proper for a graduation. Maybe more for a wedding. Anyways, everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves. My class even did a silly dance and preformed for everyone. It was a great night and I really enjoyed it. It made up for the fact that I missed my graduation in the US.

If you get a chance to go to a graduation or graduate with your class, you should. It makes great memories.

Com Amor,

Cori