College Graduation

My college graduation was honestly one of the best days that I've had in awhile. I was a bit stressed going into it, worried about my two families getting there and getting along and getting to see everyone I wanted to. My sister wasn't able to make it because of work which I was pretty bummed about, but that's life. I didn't need to have worried because everything went better than I could have ever expected. 

The night before graduation, I decorated my cap. I took a long time deciding what to put on it, since I love so many things. I eventually went with this.

Which, I would only do to steal characteristics and weird things, like I said before ;)

I had so much cake the week before, it was delightful.

The morning of graduation I was confused. The weather had said all week that it was going to be in the high 70's and sunny. I'd stressed about my family getting sunburnt and being sweaty in pictures. Instead, it was cloudy and in the fifties, tops. It was cold! I was grateful for this because I was able to wear a cardigan under my robes that had pockets so I didn't have to worry about my phone. And no sunburn worries. When we made it to school, where we were graduating on the lawn, I went inside to sign in while Sammy took care of getting seating for everyone. It was so exciting inside to see everyone all dressed up, and to see a lot of my friends. 

Phillipe! I'm crossing my fingers I won't have to work this weekend and can go to his wedding.


They told us that we could sit wherever we wanted, which really stressed me out. My best friend Joice isn't graduating until December, and I have a lot of friends from different groups and didn't know who to sit by. I ended up sitting by Hana from my UHL group, and Kimberly, from some of my English classes. The morning went really fast and then before I knew it, we were marching outside.

I didn't feel really emotional until I was marching up the lawn, looking at a banner of my school, and hearing that typical graduation march. That's when it all hit me that this was real. I was graduating. I'd done so much hard work and here it was. I had a few sobs in my chest but held them in. I didn't want to mess up my makeup for pictures later.

There were a bunch of cameras over us graduates showing us on a screen. We spent a good ten minutes figuring out where they were pointed and when to wave. I got to see myself on the screen a few times, which was pretty dang exciting. Then we got to sit, and the ceremony began. There were the bagpipes, which needed a better mic since it kept cutting out. Sitting in the graduate chairs, I was actually pretty warm since they had all of us sitting on top of each other. Everyone else was freezing. They kept the speeches short, and one of them was given by someone from Qatar, since one of the graduates is the son of their ruler. (Sorry, I don't feel like googling the correct terms.)

When they were recognizing particular students, I got to stand for being in the UHL program, which was pretty cool. My name in the program looked pretty legit as well, with University Honors and Leadership Program, department honors of Magna Cum Laude, and college honors. I had no idea I'd earn the last which was a great surprise.

Then it was walking time. After all of the Masters and PHD students, I was within the first twenty students to graduate, which was awesome. I was worried that my family wouldn't see me walk because I walked so quickly. They saw me, except for Sammy. Oh well. There were so many people, I completely understand. Walking itself was pretty quick, and all about looking here, grabbing this, shaking that hand, get off the stage. Since I walked so quickly, I was able to watch all of my friends over the years walk the rest of the day.

Finally, the ceremony was over and I went and found my family, and it was time for pictures.

I couldn't have made it to this day without all of these people, and so many more. I spent the whole week thinking about all that they did to encourage and uplift me over the years, and am so grateful for their support and love. I wrote them all thank you cards, and heard that my bro in law almost cried at his. I'm so grateful for all these amazing people, and my Heavenly Father for helping me accomplish so much.

After pictures, we went to lunch. My family and Mike walked to the restaurant which was fun. I really liked showing them downtown and where I walk every day. We ate at the Old Spaghetti factory. It's my favorite restaurant at the moment. Their food is SO good. I absolutely loved being there with all of my family. Everyone was talking and laughing and getting along, and everyone enjoyed their food (which is sometimes hard to find), and it was perfect. I loved having all these people that I love so much together enjoying a meal.

I got the italian soda because it's heavenly, and because you get a free cup. Our waitress forgot to give Mike and I our free cups, but my mom went and got them for us. I now have another momento from such a great day.

My graduation was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better day, or for a better college experience. It was exactly what I wanted and needed, and I'll be forever grateful for my opportunity to grow and learn there.
Also, I'm glad I could make Remi proud.