Written by Fuchi Prucha
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
On May 30, 2025, Tzu Chi USA’s Great Love Preschool in Houston held its annual graduation ceremony. With their teachers by their side and their parents looking on with pride, the young graduates celebrated the completion of the very first stage in their educational journey. The entire ceremony was infused with Tzu Chi’s distinctive humanistic spirit and a sense of deep familial bond, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable experience for children and families alike.
A Balance of Knowledge and Character
Since its founding in 2014, Tzu Chi USA’s Great Love Preschool in Houston, Texas, has faithfully followed the vision and guidance of Dharma Master Cheng Yen in promoting Tzu Chi’s mission in education. Over the past 11 years, the school has not only implemented bilingual learning and nurtured intellectual growth but has also placed strong emphasis on life education, humanistic values, and the development of moral character. This year, ten children successfully completed their foundational education at the preschool, though one was unable to attend the ceremony.
The event began with nine graduates, led by their teachers, walking gracefully into the Jing Si Hall. Halah Ameen, principal of the preschool, delivered the opening remarks, congratulating the graduates on their milestone achievement. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents for placing their trust in Tzu Chi during this vital stage of their children’s early education, and to the teachers for their daily care, patience, and love in nurturing the students.
It's not about learning, it's not about education, or reading, writing; there is more in this (Tzu Chi Great Love Preshool). In this age, we give them love, we give them care.
Sean Lo, Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Southern Region, made a special trip to attend the ceremony and offer his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. In his speech, he reminded the children that Tzu Chi will always be their home, because we are all one family. “So don’t forget,” he said, “to come back and visit your teachers when you have the chance.”
Bilingual Performances Highlight Academic and Humanistic Growth
While most children look forward to graduation day as a chance to simply receive their diplomas and celebrate, the graduates of Houston Great Love Preschool devoted one to two months of dedicated preparation to present a meaningful performance for their parents.
The ceremony began with the children reciting in Chinese, then bowing:
“Thank you to my parents”, with their first bow.
“Thank you to my teachers and classmates,” with their second bow.
“Thank you for everything I have,” with their third bow.
Then, another graduate continued in English:
“Gratitude to Venerable Master Cheng Yen, gratitude to my parents, gratitude to my teachers, gratitude for everything I have.”
Each word was spoken with sincerity and filled with heartfelt appreciation.
The children then recited a series of Jing Si Aphorisms in both Chinese and English:
“Do not underestimate yourself; everyone has unlimited potential.”
“The most beautiful things in the sky are the stars; the most beautiful thing on Earth is kindness.”
“Sunlight is bright, and our parents’ love is vast.”
Each wise and heartfelt quote reflected Tzu Chi’s emphasis on character education and the value of filial piety. With confidence and sincerity, the children filled the hall with warmth and a spirit of learning.
Next came a charming performance of the rhythmic song “Give Me a Hug.” The children’s lively and adorable presentation drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. As parents watched their children perform, they eagerly captured each precious moment with cameras and phones, preserving memories of this special day.
To close the ceremony, Tzu Chi USA Southern Region Executive Director Sean Lo turned the tassel on each graduate’s cap and presented them with their diplomas, bringing the event to a joyful and meaningful conclusion.
Whether you go on to kindergarten or a traditional school, never forget the gratitude, respect, and love you learned here.
For many parents, the children’s performances were more than just a showcase of their growth: they were a powerful testament to Tzu Chi’s educational philosophy, which blends academic learning, character development, and multicultural values. The joyful expressions on the parents’ faces spoke volumes, reflecting their deep appreciation for Tzu Chi’s unique approach in offering an education grounded in love, care, and humanistic values.
Jilian Cheung, who relocated from New York to Houston, first enrolled her son at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool, followed by her daughter Lilah Cai, who graduated this year. Witnessing Cai become more courageous and less shy under the gentle guidance of her teachers brought deep comfort and pride to both Cheung and her husband. Cheung strongly identifies with the school’s educational philosophy, which balances intellectual development with life education, humanistic values, and moral cultivation.
(Children) aren’t just learning to read, or go to class... The most important things are manners, character, respecting parents, and gratitude. As a Chinese American, I think these are very important qualities, so I want my children to learn them.
Jennifer Tseng, one of the preschool’s teachers, has worked in early childhood education for over 20 years. After immigrating to the United States from Taiwan three years ago, she found herself teaching at Great Love Preschool through a fortunate turn of events, and decided to enroll her granddaughter Amelia Tang at the school. Tseng’s daughter, Karen Wang, fully supports her mother’s decision and is delighted with Tang’s progress at the Preschool. “Amelia has learned to share and follow rules,” she said. “Compared to other children her age, she is more disciplined and willing to help others. The teachers teach with care, allowing the children to grow in an environment of love.”
Tzu Chi provides a loving environment where children not only learn knowledge but also learn how to interact with and care for others. I hope they will grow up to become outstanding members of society.
Another person who is delighted with the children’s growth is Phm Kim Chi, a Vietnamese-Chinese immigrant. She mentioned that her son does not speak Chinese, but strongly supports his child learning the language, which is why she sent her grandson, Dorian Trinh, to the school. She believes that learning an additional language will give the child more advantages and benefit their future lives and careers.
Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Spirit with Love
In 2019, during the Houston Great Love Preschool’s anniversary celebration, the school needed someone to serve as a cook. Tzu Chi volunteer Hui Chin Yang was invited by then Tzu Chi USA Southern Region Executive Director Dashan Huang to take on the role. She agreed, and that single act of kindness turned into a six-year commitment during which she lovingly prepared lunch and snacks for the children at the preschool. Each day, the children eagerly looked forward to her meals because they could truly feel the care and love she poured into every dish.
Now, with advancing age, this special day also marked Hui Chin Yang’s own “graduation” from the preschool. The children and teachers, filled with gratitude, prepared fresh flowers and heartfelt thank-you cards for her. They even sang one of her favorite Tzu Chi songs to wish her a joyful retirement. It was a touching moment that embodied the spirit of love and the humanistic values nurtured at the preschool.
Children are our hope for the future. As someone who cooks vegetarian meals, it brings me such joy to see how happily the children eat, how they’re able to attend this preschool, and how diligently the teachers care for them. This is truly a beautiful karmic connection.
Though Hui Chin Yang, now “graduating” from her role, felt a deep sense of reluctance at no longer being able to serve the children each day, she remained cheerful and optimistic. She shared that she plans to return often to visit both the preschool and the Tzu Chi Academy in Houston. Confident the children will be excited to see her and greet her warmly, she reflected: “When I came to Tzu Chi, people welcomed me, and that made me truly happy. Master Cheng Yen hopes that Tzu Chi’s mission will continue on, that we will keep passing down an education rooted in love.”
Houston Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool nurtures both intellect and heart, instilling a love of reading, strengthening family bonds through the warmth of shared meals, and cultivating children’s moral growth through the essence of humanistic values. With gratitude as the starting point, the school opens a new chapter in each child’s life, planting seeds of compassion and character.
At the 2025 graduation ceremony on May 30, as they watched the graduates’ heartfelt Jing Si Aphorism recitations and bows of gratitude, all the assembled teachers, students, parents, volunteers, and guests bore witness to the school’s commitment to deeply rooted humanistic education and together offered their blessings that each graduate may one day become a pillar of the nation and a model of virtue in society.
