U of U Convocation

Today my friend of 12+ years graduated from the U of U with a degree in Elementary Education. I believe graduating from college to be a HUGE accomplishment and am so proud of her. It seems like it was eons ago when it was me walking down that aisle at Kingsbury Hall to recieve my diploma during the College of Fine Arts convocation and even longer ago when my dad spoke at his convocation after earning a masters of education. Each time, I got a little bit teary eyed and choked up. Why? I couldn't begin to tell you for sure, perhaps the first time because I was so proud of my dad for earning a masters and for being chosen as the student speaker for his graduating class, also for the future when I would be the one graduating. The second time because I had made it. I had accomplished something huge and had been one of the small percentage of high school graduates who went on to finish college. It was the happiest day of my life up to that point. Today I was teary eyed out of joy for my friend, the rememberance of my graduation, and of the hope that someday I do something the makes a difference in the lives of not only my family and my posterity but also a more far reaching circle of youth. I was teary eyed because that day may never come for me and because I know that my friend will continue to soar above the clouds and do amazing things with her degree, things that will have far reaching and long lasting effects on the lives that she touches. I do not regret my decision not to teach, I know that it is not my calling in life. I have another calling, one that I am still being prepared for and do not yet know what it is. In the mean time I am mom, wife, friend, daughter, grandaughter, niece, aunt, and cousin.

Next year will be Brandon's turn to graduate and I am sure that I will get teary eyed and choked up then as well. What can I say? I am just a big softy at heart. Congrats to the graduating class of 2008!