Graduation Day

Graduation day, a day I've been looking forward to for years. It was just like Christmas, you anticipate it forever and then before you know it it's gone! The whole day is happy and weird at the same time. I think any rite of passage we go through in life is kind of like that, bitter sweet. I will miss what I'm leaving behind, but I look forward to what lies ahead! I am so glad I went to college and learned how little I really know about the world, kind of ironic.

 The day started out with Drew making me a stack of pancakes covered in nutella from biggest to smallest. Mama bought me flowers because when she graduated she remembered her mama giving her flowers that made her feel special. I love my mama for that.

Dad looking good in my apron at the family BBQ! 

My sister in law Kendra. She is one funny girl and is studying Special Ed.

My beautiful sister Lisa, who I will miss so much! She also graduated with her associates this day, and plans on finishing school at BYU-Hawaii studying biology. Man, guess I'll have to move to Hawaii to be with my sisters. ;)

The coolest part about graduation was walking between all the professors in their scholarly robes. They had huge smiles on their faces and congratulated all the graduates as we walked by. I can't really describe the feeling. It was a really happy and proud feeling, and it made me appreciate my education so much. Four years of stress (most of the time) were so worth it! There's nothing better than being surrounded by people who are proud of you and excited for you to make a difference in the world.

On the down side of graduation day, I was a little bummed my hub and family forgot my camera. We got some pictures with my moms thankfully, but I may have to go back and get some by the BYU-I sign.  I also forgot my cell phone so most of the night I was wandering around alone feeling rather lost, while everyone else was with their families. I know I had support and everything, but I did get a hint of what it would feel like to not have it and that would just really suck. So I'm thankful for everyone who came to support me!

Another cool thing about graduating is the gifts, let's just say I was pretty stoked. I got a sewing machine, TOMS shoes, photo shop, a fish eye camera with film, a trip to Central America, and money. Thank you thank you thank you!

So I've been thinking, what's next? Well, I'm not sure yet. I know I will use what I've learned at BYUI every single day of my life. The beautiful thing about psychology is it can go so many directions career wise (probably not what you will hear from most people). The things that interest me most are PSR (psychosocial rehabilitation, working with mentally ill), non-profit, yoga instructing, and possibly grad school for school counseling. Who knows what will come, but for now I'm just happy I did it! It seemed like everything I learned was at the perfect time in my life, and hopefully I'll be able to help others along the way as well. Thank you everyone who supported me and helped me accomplish this step in my life. Love you! Now I am SO ready for Central America!