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 actually 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, a place I was visiting for the first time. It was an annual activity organized by a Taipei kindergarten, where children about to enter elementary school harvested the rice they had planted themselves. A truly meaningful experience, wouldn't you say?

My role was to provide background music during the harvest. The person who contacted me took time to explain the purpose and significance of the activity, hoping I would choose pieces accordingly. So I imagined the scene: teachers and parents guiding the children through farming, with a warm and exciting atmosphere.

Lining up for the ceremony, ready to harvest

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

Pieces I Performed:

1. Toward 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. The Sky Turns Dark – "Leaving childhood behind, living our own lives..." Hearing these lyrics, big brother uncle here 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 with me the original intention behind this activity: to let parents participate alongside their children in the harvest process, reinforcing their belief that the children are ready to move on to a larger school campus. Listening to the principal speak, I could sense how seriously they take this event.

Creating a stage where everyone can participate—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

Tasseling

The guitar I brought today – Maton SRS808cMingda, who invited me, is also a guitarist. The equipment setup here was incredible!