It was very strange.
As I walked into the beautiful room with desserts and ice water, my hard work flashed before my eyes. All my internships, work and participation. All my papers, hours and study time. All my acquaintances, all my friends and all my experiences with them. The wonders of my world.
My parents sat, dad in suite, mom in dress as they watched me enter the room. I smiled. I took my seat. I breathed slow and relaxed. My fiance rushed into the room in jeans and a polo. He sat next to me with his freshly painted on name tag. "I am sorry sweetie, of all the days to be dressed up, I chose this day to dress casual at work. I feel like a bum," he said. "Don't worry, I am just glad your here," I said then kissed him. My ring sparkled as I pushed the hair from his face.
My classmates took the stage and I was in awe of their words. I cried. I laughed. My professors were incredibly inspiring and motivating. Dr. Kirk's word moved me and made me feel like I could do anything. Dr. Dixon's prayer filled my soul. I could not be more blessed to have met such incredible individuals. Dr. Voth closed the night with a, "Thank you all for coming," and that was all.
It was a bittersweet moment in time. I had finished this chapter in my life and God was going to lead me to begin my next chapter. SMU has offered me challenges. I have shed tears. I have lost sleep. I have pulled my hair out. I have walked many miles across its campus. I have taken 70 hours of coursework. I have had endless meetings. I have been to tournaments, competitions and symposiums presenting my work. I have grown. I have blossomed. I have loved. I have gained from this.
I am where I need to be.
