By Yassira Huarcaya
Over the years, we’ve dedicated several blog posts to the Pumas’ journey as they transition from one studio to another. It’s a process we constantly observe, looking for ways to improve it and make it as smooth and welcoming as possible.
But what happens after that milestone, after they’ve graduated, made the leap, and been embraced by their new tribe. They begin making new friends, building fresh connections, and claiming their new space as their own. Yet, the bonds they had with their former tribe don’t simply disappear.
Because the studios share many common areas, spontaneous encounters are inevitable, and they’re often filled with smiles, shouts, and curious questions. Pumas who have moved on to the older studio sometimes return to check in, spend a little time with their former classmates, and share stories about the privileges they now enjoy in their new space. Their visits spark curiosity and motivation in those who are still waiting for their turn to make the move.
In these moments, certain questions frequently arise, sometimes among the Pumas themselves, other times directed at the guides: “How much longer until they get to move up?” or “What do they need to do?”
One lunchtime conversation recently caught my attention. For clarity, I’ll use D to represent a Puma who recently joined Discovery (from Spark), and S for a Puma from Spark who is getting ready to transition into Discovery in the next few months.
S: This week, I lost like 7 gems. [Spark Pumas agreed to charge each other gems when they break their agreements]
D: What?! Why so many? When I was in Spark, you didin’t loose gems like that. What happened?
S: I don’t know… I don’t remember why I lost them.
D: Maybe for not working? It can be hard to balance work and play. It’s tricky. But I can give you some advice: sometimes you can work, then play, then work again. Or if you feel too tired to go back to work, just finish everything first and then play as much as you want.
S: No, that’s not it. I do earn my gems through my work. I’m going to get the flag badge. [Spark Pumas get that badge when they reach the goal for the session, as gems mark the amount of time they spent learning independently]
D: Then why? Maybe you weren’t cleaning or didn’t stop [bothering someone] when you were asked to.
S: Mmm… yeah, I think that was it.
D: Well, don’t lose any more gems so you can move up to Discovery. How many badges do you still need?
S: Just a few, I think. It’s posted on the TV door.
D: That’s good. People in Discovery say Spark is easy, but it’s not. I remember when I was in Spark it was really hard to learn how to focus or read, it was really tough. In Discovery, things are easier because you already know some things.
S: Oh, Really?
D: Yeah, for sure. You’re not far from moving up, just focus a bit more and you’ll be there soon.
S: Okay, sounds good.
The desire to grow is natural for our Pumas. After reaching the milestone of moving to the next Studio, many become mentors for those preparing to make the transition. They offer advice, show empathy, and express genuine excitement and concern for their former tribe members.
And when the time comes for those Pumas to take the leap, they’ll do so knowing they are not alone.
