Stephanie's First Education

Stephanie Receiving Certificate

Happy was Stephanie as she went up to the stage to receive her certificate of completion from her school principal.

That day marked the completion of Stephanie's kindergarten education from La Carlota South Elementary School 1, Preschool in a simple, austerity moving-up exercises program inside the covered court of the school.

Stephanie Gyn Jaud is the youngest daughter of our 3rd daughter, Gynrey Camporazo-Jaud. Panie as we fondly call her, is a very smart 5-year-old kid. 

Nearly 200 kids finished their one-year preschool classes. Those who had excelled academically were recognized and given ribbons. And there were also some pupils who were recognized on their exemplary behavior and attitude during the school year.

Mama Pinning Panie Ribbon of Recognition

Panie was recognized as active and friendly pupil in their class. Her mother wanted me to pin those ribbons for her, instead she misbehaved and tears started to trickle down her cheeks. Well, I've no choice. I didn't insist. Instead I just acted as her official photographer.

Her grandmother, Rebing, had prepared something special for her graduation presence, and gave it to her after she received her ribbons of recognition.

When the 2-hour program was about to finish I left them for a school related job to do. I was surprised upon going home, when Panie accosted me, hugged and gave me a kiss.

"Tatay" (father) as she used to call me rather than "lolo" (grandfather), "Nanay" (as she was used to call her grandmother) has given me a wonderful gift, a beautiful coin purse with a money inside, some chocolates inside a handy bag. Thank you, Tatay!"

Proud Lola Rebing Posed with Panie

I grabbed the opportunity to talk to her and ask her why she didn't want me to pin the ribbons for her. She smartly replied, "Nanay o tatay ang nagasibit sa mga ribbon sa mga bata kag indi ila lolo." (It is the children's mother or father who pins the ribbons for the pupils and not their grandfather.) I agreed with her so as not to embarrass or hurt her.

Panie, a very practical and smart kid. I remember when her mother told her that she should practice reading or else she won't pass their class. She should master reading or identifying the alphabets and numbers. She agreed to be tutored by her mother, but not the alphabets reading. She insisted to be taught to read in words and in sentences or paragraphs instead. For ABCs are boring, she reasoned out.

One occasion, I asked her why she wanted her mother to go back to Kuwait to work again. She replied, "Gusto ko mabalik si mama sa kuwait para may mansion kami. Kag madamo amon kuarta para si papa makabakal motorcycle!" (I want mom to work again in Kuwait so that we could have our own mansion. And we have much money for papa to buy his own motorcycle!)

"Panyang!" - the name called by her grandmother when Panie becomes naughty, recalcitrant, and annoying.

Anyway, congratulations! Stephanie Gyn Jaud C. (This is how she answers when ask what is her name.)