I DID IT!

I finally graduated from college! Last night I attended my college convocation. I went back and forth about attending because it took me so long to finish and because I don’t know a lot of people from school. However as I sat there last night amongst my fellow graduates I was happy to be there. My degree is in Mass Communication with an Emphasis in Public Relations. The Communication department at the University of Utah is part of the College of Humanities. There were roughly 2,500 graduates from the College of Humanities, about half of them were Communication majors.

Dean Newman honored several of the faculty members, alumni, and graduates. It was impressive to hear the resumes of some of the faculty at the University. I was always impressed with the caliber of professors I had at the U. About 96 of the faculty members turn out from our college to support us which Dean Newman said was a record. A couple of my teachers received their PhD’s last night. It was good to see them finish. They were some of my favorite faculty members.

I’ve been thinking a lot about graduation this last week and reflecting on all that I went through to get to this point. All day yesterday my co-workers and friends were congratulating me. I keep thinking that everyone was making a big deal out of it. But as Dean Newman asked that all of the Mothers of the graduate’s stand last night I looked up at my Mom and got teary eyed. Then my Dad got to stand up and then Bernd. As I watched my family stand up to be recognized I realized that I had done this not only for myself but for my family. It was hard not to get emotional when I felt so much love and support from my family.

There are so many people that helped me get through school. From the moment I met Bernd he encouraged me, supported me, and pushed me to finish. This last semester he helped me so much with my classes. I couldn’t have made it through without his love and support. On those nights that I just didn’t want to do my homework Bernd would be there to encourage me. I want him to know how much I love and appreciate him and all that he does for me.

My parents have always been there for me. They taught me to work hard for the things that I want. They were always there to listen to me when I was frustrated with school, and listen to me talk about all of the new things I was learning. They let me live at home with them so that I could pay for school and concentrate on my school work. They were always so supportive and encouraging. I think aside from my wedding day and the day I went through the temple I have never seen my parents be happier for me. They told me yesterday that they think I’m awesome, but they are the ones that are awesome!

Bernd, Mom & Dad, Gram, Josh & Bina, and Jake all came to support me at my graduation. They are all so great! My in-laws have been so supportive as well. Mom VanSkiver is always asking how school is going and checking in to make sure I’m doing my homework! I love my family so much. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

I’m really excited to be done with school. One day I want to go back and get my Masters, but for now I will just enjoy my free time. There are so many things I want to do now that I have some time on my hands. There are so many books that I want to read and so many movies I want to catch up on. Now if we could just get Bernd done with school! I’m excited for this new phase of life and the new challenges that I will be faced with. I’m looking forward to finding new ways to learn and grow and expand my mind.