Graduation Day

Tamar's graduation ceremony took place in June, and her mum asked me to create a special card to mark the occasion. She wanted something personal that would celebrate Tamar's achievement and serve as a keepsake of this important milestone in her life.

She asked me to depict Tamar in her black graduation cap and gown. In the background, she requested a diploma reading "Psychology & Special Education", to reflect Tamar's BA in Psychology alongside her focus in Special Education. I was also asked to include "an apple for the teacher". The phrase can be traced back to 16th-18th century Europe and later 19th century America, when some rural families, often short of cash, would sometimes pay teachers with food instead. Apples were a common choice as they were plentiful and easy to carry. At the same time, education was becoming increasingly valued, and teachers were being seen as important role models and mentors. The simple gift of a sweet, fresh apple became a way of showing respect and appreciation for their work.
Over time, the apple also came to symbolise knowledge and wisdom, and giving one to a teacher became a gesture of recognising the importance of education in people's lives.
Mum wrote to me, "The card is gorgeous!"

* This post has been shared on Happiness is Homemade, Craft Schooling Sunday, Mosaic Monday