By Carmela L. Dioko, Grade 9
When we were told that there was an upcoming Mother-Daughter activity, many of us began looking for excuses to skip it because we felt that it will be too awkward for our age and grade level. However, this year’s Mother-Daughter activity, held on September 19, proved us wrong. First of all, it gave us the much-needed break from the anxiety and stress of all the tests and performance tasks. Second, we learned about finding our life’s purpose. And most importantly, it gave us the worthwhile opportunity to form an even closer bond with our moms.
The first part of the activity was a talk for Grade 9 students on discovering our specific and unique mission. It sounds quite heavy and deep, but we were given several ways and tips to do this in a light yet effective manner. We were reminded that the obstacles and challenges we face can strengthen and fortify us, as well as edify us and enable us to widen our horizons and thus find our calling in life. We can count on our amazing friends and family who will help, assist, and accompany us along the way. These seem like basic things, but it really is true, and we could already apply these in our lives, even now as Grade 9 students.
What followed after the talk was a joint activity with our moms called “True Colors.” We were organized in such a way that all moms sat at one table and all their daughters sat at the opposite table. Each of us was given a unique piece of paper with random lines drawn on it and only one coloring medium. We were instructed to fill in one space on our card with a pattern or solid color. The fun part then came when our cards were mixed up and passed around with several other people filling it in with their own patterns, designs, and colors. At first, it seemed like we were simply doodling and coloring the spaces on the paper. However, once we got back our own cards, we were directed to go to our moms and put our cards together so that the lines match perfectly beside each other. Initially, we thought it was impossible since each card had a unique design. We kept turning around our cards in different directions, until finally, they fit each other side by side, perfectly!
What did this activity mean? The facilitator processed it with us and connected it to the relationship of a mother and a daughter. No matter what happens to each of us, which was like the different colors and patterns placed on our cards, moms and daughters should and will always connect with each other, have time for each other, and be there for each other. This really struck me because it is so true in this age where everything has become so much more advanced and fast-paced. Work and technology can veer us away from the important things, such as a deep and legitimate relationship with our moms, and with anyone for that matter. Furthermore, this activity reminded me that even if the world turns upside down, our moms will always be our moms and we will always be the daughters of our moms. More than the biological link, the extraordinary and special memories and connections we have made and will continue to make with each other, are what matter!