MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- To many people, a blooming tulip is a sign that the harsh winter weather is behind them and spring has arrived, but to students at Matthew C. Perry Elementary School, it represents hard work, hope and love.
Second grade students at M.C. Perry planted a flower garden in front of the school, Dec. 10, 2004. The garden was christened “Ms. Berg’s Garden” as a gift to their former teacher Arlene Berg, who was diagnosed with a serious illness and forced to return to the U.S. for treatment. The first tulip in the garden bloomed April 8.
The garden however, is not a memorial. It is a beacon of hope, a visual representation of the students’ love and adoration for their former teacher. The tulips signify the students’ wishes for a speedy recovery followed by a return to Iwakuni and have served as a different type of medicine.
According to Tamra N. Barker, M.C. Perry second-grade teacher, Berg’s condition has improved after receiving treatment and she is feeling better.
“I think it’s the garden and the letters we’ve sent to her that have made her feel well,” said Danom R. Wilson, 7.
Aside from serving as emotional support for Berg, the class has also used the garden as a teaching tool.
“I’ve used the garden to help the children with science. We’ve been charting the blooming patterns of the tulips and made predictions on the next color to bloom,” said Barker. “The class has also written letters to Ms. Berg as writing assignments. We edit them and it’s a good way for the kids to learn how to express their emotions through writing.”
By integrating the garden into class activities, the students have kept fond memories of Berg and have enjoyed seeing changes in it, said Barker.
“I hope Ms. Berg gets better and I can’t wait for her to come back,” said Ashley L. Hunter, 8. “I really like her garden because it helps me remember how she was sweet and kind.”
According to John Stroup, M.C. Perry Elementary vice principal, Berg taught at the school for two years and was highly respected by faculty and students alike.
“I like her a lot,” said Wilson. “I think she is a nice lady and the best teacher in the world.”