THE FOLLOWING piece about ?looking forward after graduation? was written by my eldest daughter, Julia, as a tribute to all graduating kids? including her sons, 6-year-old Dylan Tyler and 4-year-old Enzi Jeremiah:

?Time has a way of turning its hands around faster than we imagine. Wonderful memories come in small packages that fill us with joy?like our children. They?re the hope and future of our country. Seeing them accomplish something makes every parent proud. Graduation ushers in the next step for them.

?When I was small, my mother always told me, ?Learning about every important aspect of humanity always starts with one small step.? Taking it one step at a time ensures that your child is experiencing life as it is. But, as parents, we can?t always protect them from harm. There are certain things they must face on their own in order to learn.

Conducive to learning

?As a mother in my 20s, I felt this during my children?s graduation recently at Stonecastle Learning Centre (SLC), which was founded by directress Mary Ann A. Munoz, who believes that a preschool should go beyond teaching alphabets and numbers; it should also include the development of a child?s social and emotional skills. SLC creates an environment conducive to learning, teaches independence and enhances students? abilities as young scientists, mathematicians and writers to prepare them for the big schools.

?My children were among those who received awards: Dylan Tyler received the Subtle Wizard award, while Enzi Jeremiah was accorded the Little Webster award. It was a joy to see them go up the stage and take a bow. The last picture I took of my kids at the ceremony, which shows Tyler giving Enzi a kiss on the cheek as he wrapped his arms around his brother, says it all: There was a twinkle in their eyes, and they were proud of what they had achieved. I know that their future?s bright and filled with great opportunities?even in the harshest of times.?

Stonecastle Learning Center is accepting enrolees for 2009-2010. Call 823-0177 or 0915 426-6851, or email stonecastle19@yahoo.com. Its campus is located at No. 19 Britain st., Better Living subd., Paranaque City.

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Join our Batanes Photo Safari on April 28-May 1 and May 8-11. Fly via Seair and stay at the Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant. Learn portraiture, naturescape, jumpology, fashion, architectural and abstract photography. Call 899-1767, or email mandynavasero@yahoo.com.