Editor's Note
Dear Readers,
As I sit here reflecting on this past school year, I realize
that I have learned so much, and yet still have so
much more to learn. I have watched with pride as my
younger daughter began CASA still with a pacifier in her
mouth three years ago, to now graduating Daystar’s
Casa program, insisting she can take the elevator by
herself at our house. She can read and write, add and
subtract, and if I bump into anything she quickly asks
me “are you okay”? I am so incredibly proud.
At the same time, my older daughter is completing
second grade, and will be entering third grade in
the Fall. I learned this year that I thought I was not
a tiger mom, but perhaps I am a little. I had hopes
and expectations of how she should be doing, acting
and behaving. And when she was not meeting those
expectations, I was frustrated, and would over react. I
came to the realization that at least for me, losing my
temper did not help anyone, least of all my daughter.
And second, if I had certain expectations, it was also
my responsibility to make sure I was providing her with
the right tools, support and environment to meet those
expectations. I realized I had not done a very good job
of that. So now I am trying to adjust, to make sure we
have two-way conversations, and be better at listening.
Already I am sensing a difference, and I think we are all
the bett er for it.
If I were to reflect on my work, it’s been a personally
very gratifying year. I love my new role as Director of
Community Advancement, which has allowed me to
do what I am truly passionate about: connecting with
people. I have enjoyed teaching my students in Daystar’s
yearbook ASA, loved every minute of Week for Change
and Music Under the Stars, was in awe at the turnout
at UNITY DAY, and so moved by images of our Daystar
parents and students volunteering to read at Our
Learning House, a community center
for children with
disabilities.
And although the
school year was basically non-
stop, it never felt like “work” because I was
so happy doing it all, and found purpose in it. I also
made it a point to find more balance in my life too. I
visited the Forbidden City with my in-laws who were
visiting from the USA, and baked rainbow cupcakes with
my girls despite having a million things to do. To me,
having those moments as well, are what matter most.
If I were to think about this past year (per our theme
“Thoughts and Dreams”), I would say it’s been an
intense, but wonderful year. I am grateful for my
family. I am grateful that I get to do what I love. The
wheels are already in motion for all my activities and
events next year, and I cannot wait. And when it comes
to my personal goal, I hope that I can continue to do
even better when it comes to raising my daughters, and
leading a balanced life.
Thank you for your support of VOICES this past school
year. I hope you have found the publication useful
and enjoyable. Here’s wishing you and your family a
wonderful Summer holiday, and see you in the Fall!
With warmest regards,
Ja Wuttithamrong
Chief Editor, VOICES
Director of Community Advancement,
Ivy Education Group
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