When first came to Asia I was OVER-WHELMED, somewhat scathing and perhaps even judgmental when I saw the hype and hoo-hah which accompanies a university graduation. "It's only a Bachelor's - I mean, EVERYone has one now, right?" FFWD to yesterday, when I spent much of the day with my daughter's Thai family queued up for endless security checks, bag searches and Covid tests so we could BE THERE for our cousin-niece, A'lisa Marit, who was conferred her Honors Degree in Education at the GORGEOUS (massive!) Mae Rim Campus of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.
My parents in Australia did not feel my first or second graduations worthy of their time, so I've never had my own graduation ceremony. I got my Degrees posted to me in the mail. Yesterday I found myself nursing that old wound and being simply grateful to observe and participate in a culture where the collective triumphs and celebrates when an individual wins or achieves.
To understand the family pride yesterday, you have to appreciate the poor farming community by ex-husband and his brother came from: Thung Saliam, Sukothai Province in North-Central Thailand. Rice and tobacco farming country, back in the day. The 4 children of that family had to share one pair of rubber flip flops to go to school - the ones unlucky enough to be without on a particular day were often punished. The only one to finish school was the oldest son, Ting, who went on to become a policeman (you buy your own guns, police car and uniforms here and PAY to be trained!) thanks to the financial support of his wife, Imm's family. Today he is a very senior detective in Khlong Laan in Kamphaeng Phet. The others, Ploi's father included, barely finished Grade 9.
We got the call on Wednesday afternoon that "the family" was driving up from Kamphaeng Phet & would be staying with us midday on Wednesday. Frantic cleaning, shopping and cooking for the 5 extra bodies - bear in mind we currently have no roof over the kitchen and bathroom and are mid process needing to move house. LOL. Missed that post? The Termite's Revenge
And so with some juggling Ploi beds were sorted, much conversation was had and Thursday stared with a 5am hair appointment for the graduate. Dress codes are strict here, including expectations of hair styles, and this event in particular, since the Degree would be conferred in person by His Majesty King Rama X.
We spent HOURS being checked through security for Covid, bag searches and immigration clearance - EVERYONE was personally registered by Thai ID card or passport, and health checked.
Due to Covid restrictions, only the graduates were actually allowed in the Graduation Hall. After the completed a successful Covid BLOOD TEST. After admittance and registration, the event for us was basically an outdoor selfie carnival, with family groups milling around in the glorious mountain sunshine, greeting one another, and showing their pride. While there were many families sporting "money bouquets" to show their status...
there were equally many non-Thai people from along the Burmese border who had travelled FAR and not in luxurious circumstances to show their love and support. I shared the "Other" immgration check in queue with a glorious assortment of colourful people sporting amazing costumes, traditional Thanaka painted faces and the most amazing headresses. Sadly I was not allowed to photograph at that point due to security concerns.
After Saa, the graduate, was cleared by Blood Test, she left us and we went down to Mae Taeng for hot, slightly-chinese-style Wonton Soup. Baa Mii Gioaw. Brilliant.
The rest of the day? We dozed, slept, chatted, shared photos and lazed around back at our house as everyone waited for the official ceremony to occur in splendid isolation.
The Thai relatives left us at our house around 5.30pm and went off to eat noodles with other family friends they had met during the morning. Finally, at 8.40pm I got the call from Ting to say it was all over, Saa was officially GRADUATED by none less than the King, and they were starting their 5 - 5.5 hour drive back to Khlong Laan.
Ploi and I were both in bed (exhausted!) by 9pm and the Thai family arrived home just before 2am. Yes, both Ting and Boy (also a policeman) have to work today. Us? We are full-speed back on house hunting and packing - AFTER coffee!!
Proud of Saa and the commitment her family made to education. She's already a fine teacher and told us yesterday she's already started her Master's Degree. Her middle sister, So, is in first year at university too.
Celebrating excellence, commitment, study & education MATTERS to me... and clearly to thousands and thousands of Thai families seeking to improve their lives and develop their country. Feeling proud of someone is such a wonderful gift.
Last night as I drifted off to sleep I made a pact with myself to TELL my daughter more often how very proud I am of the bright, clever and kind young woman she's growing in to.
Get Your FREE Hive Account
How'd your company adapt to the open ceiling?
haha... they're Thai and I think were mildly relieved to be in a less-than-perfect home - they shivered in the open air shower at 5am and helped sweep a lot. But Thai people show a remarkable level of acceptance - a hallmark of a Buddhist culture. I think I was more stressed than they were about being judged as a defective hostess!
!ENGAGE 25
ENGAGEtokens.Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
What a wonderful occasion! Congratulations, Saa!
I was in the first generation of our family, on both sides, to ever get a university education. It is huge. And, no, not everyone does or can. Or should. That's an exposition for another time.
Some of most poignant memories are of attending graduations at TVET colleges and the pride of newly qualified graduands: artisans, bookkeepers, administrators, professional chefs. Their families were just bursting with pride: the first in their families to get a post school qualification and improve their chances of employment. Even thinking about it now, is humbling and makes my heart warm.
Posted using Dapplr
A really momentous occasion! Congratulations to your niece, Saa and of course to her parents too.
I remember when I graduated from university, my father heartily commented how very proud he was and that he couldn't help but shed a tear. It's really big in Asian culture especially that not everyone gets that privilege.
Congratulations @artemislives! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPDo not miss the last post from @hivebuzz: