Education and Connection

After living in Taipei for over thirty years, there are few places I haven't been—though some I've only passed through without really visiting.

Last Saturday, I participated in a special event: a graduation ceremony held in a rice field at a small farm in the hills behind Sanzhih. It's an annual activity organized by a Taipei kindergarten where children about to enter elementary school harvest the rice they planted themselves. A truly meaningful experience, right?

My role was to provide background music during the harvest. The person who contacted me took time to explain the event's purpose and significance, hoping I'd select songs accordingly. I imagined the scene: teachers and parents guiding the children through farming, with a warm and excited atmosphere.

Lining up for the ceremony, ready to harvest

During the harvest, I'm playing guitar in the upper right corner of the frame

Songs I Performed:

1. Facing the Sun (Original)
2. The Turning Intersection (Original)
3. Isn't She Lovely – Stevie Wonder's song written for his daughter. Everyone working hard is so lovely!
4. When the Sky Turns Dark – "Leaving childhood behind, living my own life..." Thinking about these lyrics, this uncle felt quite moved, and I'm sure the parents did too.
5. Let Romance Lead – It takes a romantic-minded principal to create an event like this.
6. Time Flies (Original)

Before the performance, the principal shared the original intention behind this activity: to let parents participate in the harvest process with their children, reinforcing their belief that the kids are ready to move on to a larger school campus. Listening to the principal speak, I could feel how seriously they took this event.

Providing a stage for everyone to participate in—that's the most wonderful thing about connecting education with people, I thought to myself.

It was a warm day. Let me share a few more photos!

My perspective

Tassel ceremony

The guitar I brought today

Mingda, who invited me, is also a guitarist. The equipment setup at the venue was incredible!