A College Graduate

I never thought this day would come. All growing up you think... 16 years old is forever away, and high school graduation is forEVER away, and going to college is FORVER away... but graduation from college?!? - It's one of those things you just feel iis too far away to really happen. But guess what? - It just happened! I am a COLLEGE GRADUATE!! And here is the proof:

ASU has been great!! I have loved my experience here! If I had to do it all over again (not that I am bummed that I can't) I would do it exactly the same! While applying to college in high school, I really wanted to go to BYU with all my friends. Despite this dream, I knew that BYU was not where I was supposed to be. So, I applied for ASU as my default choice. It has been the best default I could imagine! I am so thankful that I was blessed to go to ASU! Why? - Here are just a few reasons: 1. I was forced to make all new friends (since all mine left to BYU) and I have met some of the greatest people because of it! 2.

I got to spend 3 more years right here with my own family. I honestly thought that staying at home was going to be disappointing while all my friends went off and had "independence," but oh, how I was wrong! I have grown closer to my family in the past 3 years than I had the 18 years before that! And I wouldn't trade that for the world! 3. The Speech and Hearing Program here at ASU is a nationally ranked program which has been so wonderful. 4. There is a great network of YSA in the surrounding areas. 5. ASU has paid me to go to college - it doesn't get better than that!

But I feel much like Darla on Little Rascals when she said, "I don't miss him at all... except... his voice." I won't miss ASU at all... except... the institute and my one best friend from school!

The Institute (this lovely building) has been my safe haven amidst the filth. It is where I spend every spare minute! Thank goodness for the church! I have taken some amazing classes such as "The Book of Revelation" and "Latter-day Hymns" along with the usuals - "Book of Mormon" and "New Testament." The teachers there are some of my greatest role models and I have loved getting to learn from them! I recently graduated from Institute as well - it's pretty easy to do when you want to take EVERY class on the list!! Along with the spiritual stuff, I never once paid for parking at ASU because institute lets regularly-attending students park for free. I never had to eat lunch amidst all the immodesty and foul language because of the institute building lunches. I never had to worry about my backpack being stolen when I fell asleep studying. I always had a refrigerator and microwave to use whenever I needed. I could go on forever, but it all comes down to the fact that I will really miss the institute!

McKenzie has been the greatest blessing all through school. I met her on the second day of classes my freshman year and we have been inseparable ever since. We have the same major, similar personalities, the exact same perfectionist mindset, the same goal to graduate in 3 years, similar upbringings, and similar everything else too! Haha! We have had over half of our classes together - including electives such as Parenting, Society and the Environment, and Yoga! She is the one that keeps me sane through the semester. She is the one that encourages me to study when I want to give up. She is the one I call when I miss class. She is seriously the best! I know that Heavenly Father put us together because of all the things that she has taught me and I will be forever grateful!! But it is now time for us to part. :( She got into the graduate program at University of Texas - Dallas and I got into the graduate program at NAU. We are both excited about our continuing educational opportunities, but I will definitely miss her very much! McKenzie, YOU ARE THE BEST - Thank you!!

Today, as I celebrated this big step in my life, I was so blessed to have my family there with me including my aunt Julie and my Grandma G! THANK YOU!! (I didn't have a picture of all of them on my camera from today... so here is a family picture.) I am so grateful that they could come and support me!! They have been a great support throughout my life to push me to accomplish my goals and I cannot thank them each enough!

Other than that, FAREWELL ASU! You have been great and I love all the memories but... I am off to bigger and better things! :) And just look, we are totally prepared...