4 minute read
Dads & Grads: Patrik & Jefferson
Born in 2006, the grads of 2024 are already a hardy lot. Their birth year was marked by extreme wind storms in coastal BC, Pluto lost its status as a planet, and the giant squid – once thought to be just a cryptid – was finally recorded off the coast of Japan.
They endured the financial crisis of 2008 as toddlers, the Deepwater Horizon exploded while they were in preschool, Fukushima melted down when they were in Kindergarten. Then COVID, atmospheric storms, heat domes...
Through all this chaos, dads have demonstrated to their kids how to navigate the world with hope, humour, and humility.
This year, two grads are directly attached to the small staff at qL: associate publisher Sean Percy’s youngest child, Ella, graduates from Brooks. So does editor Pieta Woolley’s firstborn, David.
We asked a few of this year’s dads and grads about life with each other. What came back was surprising: even when you don’t think they’re paying attention, boy are they ever attuned.
Here’s to the dads and grads of 2024.
Jefferson Dela Cruz, 51, is a full-time education assistant, a farmer on the side, and active in Kelly Creek church music ministry.
Jed Patrik Dela Cruz, 18, is currently a part of the woodworking club in Brooks Secondary. He will be attending UBC this fall for a Bachelor of Science that will hopefully lead to computer science. Patrik’s goal is to become a software engineer in bank security.
Grad to Dad
What do you remember about your dad, from when you were in Kindergarten?
Grad Patrik • I remember swimming with my father alongside the white beach and blue ocean.
What’s your best memory of your dad, from your teen years?
Grad Patrik • The way my father drove to unlawful speeds when he was running late for the ferry is exhilarating.
How is he unlike other dads?
Grad Patrik • My father had to leave his home country (Philippines) to be able to provide for his family and this had him visit four countries.
What do you think your dad was like in Grade 12?
Grad Patrik • My father sold female garments when he wanted to earn a quick buck.
What has your dad taught you about life, so far?
Grad Patrik • My father taught me hard work, how chickens behave, and how to navigate the bureaucratic system required in airports.
What do you plan to do, over the next five years or so?
Grad Patrik • My current aspiration is to become a software developer managing security, hopefully, at a well-known bank or a back end software developer.
How do you plan to keep your dad in your life?
Grad Patrik • I would ensure he is in good health when he finally reaches that age and call and visit both my parents.
Dad to Grad
What do you remember about your grad when they were in Kindergarten?
Dad Jefferson • Patrik is a cheerful kid. He loves to ride his bike and play with his siblings and friends. At a young age, he excelled in his studies, [and was] very attentive in class and always focused.
Which qualities does your grad get from you?
Dad Jefferson • He is competitive and perseveres towards achieving a goal, which mostly causes some sibling rivalries, but in the end, he realizes what he has done.
What were you like in Grade 12?
Dad Jefferson • In the Philippines, K-12 wasn’t implemented then, only recently. During that year I was already in my second year in university taking Nursing.
What did you do in the five years following high school graduation?
Dad Jefferson • I was in my church music ministry from my third-year of high school up to my first year in university. The rest of the five years were focusing on my studies.
What do you hope for your grad, over the next five years?
Dad Jefferson • Over the next five years, I’m confident that his chosen career would bring his dreams and aspirations into reality and give him fulfillment.
What will you miss most about your grad, after they move on to their next stage in life?
Dad Jefferson • He is independent, he speaks his mind and loves to connect to people with sincerity.
What are you proud of your grad for?
Dad Jefferson • He will stand for you through thick and thin. Furthermore, I’m proud of what he has become. I can’t wait to see a great future ahead of him and his contribution to society.
