The Honor of Cum Laude Society

2個孩子在Dwight-Englewood Upper School 即將完成他們的高中學業, 這將近4年的異鄉求學日子, 眼見著就要告一段落了, Casper & Nasrin 在 Dwight 的這段時光, 由14歲的稚嫩小孩直至18歲的清澀青少年, 除了學識增長, 眼界大開, 學習社交, 鍛鍊身體, 獨立生活, 學習處理解決事情...想想如果不是他們到異鄉讀書, 還真難有這樣的機會來訓練孩子, 內心欣慰的是2個孩子是一天天的茁壯成長, 也因為專心致志勤勤奮奮為來美國的主要目的--讀書, 堅持不懈, 不言放棄, 如今看來即將達成任務, 在這段陪伴求學的時間, 還是他們2人非常堅持, 互相扶持走完這段奮鬥歷程, 還是先生及孩子的心志堅強, 較有遠見, 沒有他們3人鞭策我,  我可能早早放棄這辛苦的任務了
Casper & Nasrin 學業, 品格, 受到老師及同學的一致肯定, 給 Cum Laude Society 這個獎來肯定他們, 而且是在第一次 10% 就被選出,  讓我們夫妻倆 very pround of them, 學校給我的信件內容是這樣:

Dear Casper,(Nasrin),

It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate you on being selected for membership into our school's Cum Laude Society. Admission to the Cum Laude Society is based on the academic excellence and strong character that you have demonstrated during your years in Dwight-Englewood's Upper School.  It is only awarded to 20% of any senior class. This is an honor that you have well earned.

To quote from the society handbook, "Arete includes the concept of excellence in the moral sense and is not limited to the ideal of superiority in scholarship, nor does it involve the endeavor of competing primarily for academic grades. Diki includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate as well as just. Timi includes the concept of dignity and true worth as well as honor." Thus, those elected to the society have been selected not only for demonstrated prowess in academics, but also for the upstanding personal qualities they bring to our community.

You will be inducted with fellow selected members of the class of 2016 on Thursday, April 14. Additional information about that event will be sent to you and your family at later date. We look forward to celebration your achievements then

Once again, congratulations on your selection and continued success for remainder of your senior year.

Sincerely,

Joseph W. Algrant               Peter Bograd            Jack Armitage

Upper School Principal        President                 Secretary

                                             Cum Laude Society          Cum Laude Society

Cc: Mrs. Pi Hui Wang  

When the Dust Settles

                 

在 Englewood Library 上課斷斷續續已經有3年的時間了, 這是我陪孩子來美國讀書這段時間, 最讓我有輕鬆學習興緻的好地方, 跟3種不同課程的老師也成為好友, 有時相約一起吃飯, 逛街, 介紹臨近的 town, 不同的生活功能, 有了這些純美國人的帶領, 讓我這異鄉人多了份安心,安全,自在的感覺

 Librarian Grace 希望我寫些關於自己的 short story, 想著陪孩子讀高中的這四年即將告一段落, 階段性的任務即將完成, 心裡也漸漸踏實多了, 所以就寫下目前我的心境當成這次的交差功課

                                         When the dust settles

It's autumn. Fall leaves transform to yellow , copper, orange, and deep crimson. When I walk on a country road, I listen to the autumn chorus that will stay in my memories. I remember three years ago when I accompanied my children to USA for their high school education. It was struggling time for us. We faced that time with mixed emotions. Time went by as we overcame many obstacles. The seasonal changes have given us a new lease on life. My family and I enjoy the changing colors.

The time has come for my children to apply to colleges. It’s unexpectedly complicated for me, but I'm glad that the school counselor is helping out. They submitted their ED (early decision) and EA (early action) applications and are now working on regular applications. We will wait and see what will happen.

I need to leave the States every 90 days so I always travel a lot between the USA and my home country. It is exhausting. When the dust settles, I will have completed my four-year duty as my children move towards new chapters of life.