WE GRADUATED!

After four long years, I finally did it. I graduated from BYU with an undergraduate degree in public relations, communications. 

How can a simple two-hour ceremony close such a monumental chapter in my life? The fact that I have a degree and a few pictures in the royal blue cap and gown doesn’t quite give me the assurance that I have actually finished this thing called “school.” It never really ends. The tests, the peer reviews, the case studies, the long hours spent cramming for tests, the job interviews, the hot bike rides to campus, the boy drama, the apartment hysterias, etc. 

How?

I definitely finished my undergrad with a bang—accounting is really a shot to the heart. As I was in the midst of applying/interviewing for jobs, working two part-time positions, and figuring out this little thing called love, I was attempting to excel in accounting. Okay, not really excel, but do relatively well.

Boy, did I pass by the skin of my teeth. It’s safe to say accounting was a love-hate relationship: I loved what I was learning but I didn’t appreciate the pace and manner in which the material was required to be mastered. 

Rough. Let’s just say the bike ride home after the three-hour final (two days prior to graduation) never felt so good.

The funny thing is, I don’t feel relieved. I only feel a little bit sad. But even more than that sadness of nostalgia, I came to the realization that my longing for education exists and is thriving more than ever...

I haven’t been graduated for more than two days, and I already have my eyes set on getting a master’s (November 1^st).

Life is funny. Sometimes it’s so funny I find myself missing the joke, asking my neighbor, "What was that?"

One thing I have learned these past few years (that don’t seem so few):

·          Learning is wonderful. 

      Find what you love and do it. Wise words from a mentor of mine, “Do what you love. No matter what it is, you will find a way to make money—enough money.” Because all of my interests (non-profit, social work, humanitarian efforts, teaching) all seem to be less treasured by society (at least financially), I worried about studying the things that make me excited. ---> stop worrying and start learning. Everything will work out. Passion is the driving force for success. Stop searching for practicality—in some regards—and start doing things you enjoy.

Though I don't have a cent to my name (literally). No wonderful job offer at an amazing PR firm. No place to call home. I have an education and a dream for my future. 

My Graduation day>>

It was a dream. I have the most lovely family. They are so supportive and loving in all that they do. It is safe to say that I am a product of their loving hands and minds. 

8:00am ceremony

"Is this real life?"

I rode my bike to graduation ^^^

Rachel graduating!!!

I have the most wonderful support system! 

I cannot believe how far we have come. We started preschool together, now look at us, graduates from a wonderful university.

I owe much of who I am and what I have accomplished to my grandparents. The chances that two angels marry is rare-->they are one of a kind. 

Me and one of my favorite couples.

I love my family! They are the reason I am wearing blue. So rather, to make it a more truthful statement, I should've started this post:

"We (my parents, my grandparents, my sisters, and friends) graduated!!"