Graduation!

This fall I am graduating with my first college degree, Liberal Arts. Now I know it's not that big of a deal of a degree, but to me it is. It's the first piece of paper with my name on it that I will care about (besides my high school diploma). It's my proof that I've started my higher education, and it's my encouragement to carry on farther. No one can take it back from me (granted if I get everything done for this semester's classes... YES Jen I am working on getting caught up!!!).

This milestone is a big one for me because I am the first to actually GRADUATE from a college in my little family. My father only went to school for barely two semesters. My mother went longer, but ran into legal trouble when she only needed one more credit to finish her two year degree. My husband went for half a semester, and ended up withdrawing because he wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. My sister starts her first semester of college this summer. Out of the majority of the grandkids, I am the first to finish a degree before my 30s. I'm a first, and it feels really nice to be a first.

Granted, it did take me three years (I took a semester break first right out of high school, then another between my two years here) but I have made it. I've done it. It's great to say I have made it this far, and I'm still going farther. I have learned so much about myself and my surroundings in these last three years. When I first graduated high school, I didn't trust my 18 year old self to know what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Now I have a better idea of what my values are in life and in a career. I'm more confident in me.

I love setting an example for my nieces, nephew, and future children. I like how my determination is giving my husband the idea of going back to school (this time a 2 year trade, instead of a 4 year degree). I'm so happy my sister is following in my footsteps instead of just idling on in life until she knows what she wants to do.

So, here's to me. Here's to the GPA I've held, the classes I've completed, the teachers I've grown to love. Here's to me not taking the negativity my high school told me to heart. Here's to the clubs I've been a part of, the coworkers I've befriended, the fellow students I've studied with. Here's to my education and going further on, even if I can't fully see the path yet.

I hope everyone has a great summer, an insightful moment in life, and doesn't give up. If I see you May 17th at graduation, a hug is more than welcome! Here's to us moving on!